Mike Sandle named NZ manager

New Zealand Cricket has named Mike Sandle manager of the national team. Sandle takes over from Dave Currie, who stepped down following the World Cup.

Sandle, who has worked with the police for 24 years, has previously served as team manager with several rugby teams including the New Zealand Under-19s and Auckland Blues Super15s.

John Buchanan, New Zealand's director of cricket, said he was happy to have a manager of Sandle's quality working with the team. "He is an experienced manager who will have the respect of the players," he said in a board release. "Along with John Wright will help create an environment where the team can succeed."

Sandle's first assignment with the team will be the two-match Test series against Australia that begins on December 1 in Brisbane.