Wellington, Jan 31 NZPA - New Black Caps cricket coach Mark Greatbatch sees his role as complementing skipper Daniel Vettori's in the current team structure but with an emphasis on developing the batting skills of the players.

The Black Caps have been without a coach since last October when Andy Moles departed after having lost the confidence of senior players.

Greatbatch's appointment was announced yesterday after New Zealand Cricket, keen to ensure it got the right person into the role, sifted through a number of applicants.

"We have put a great deal of thought, and consulted widely, about how we progress the current Black Caps unit, without upsetting the current leadership momentum within the team," NZC chief executive, Justin Vaughan said.

"We also considered the credentials of a number of high-profile international options.

"Mark is already close to the team by virtue of his selectorial role, and through his recent stint with the team in Dubai."

Greatbatch, who played for New Zealand between 1988 and 1996, will join the existing coaching team of Mark O'Donnell and Shane Jurgensen.

Vaughan said skipper Daniel Vettori would continue to be involved in the selection of the team, team tactics and strategy.

"Over the past 12 months under the captaincy of Daniel Vettori, the team have made significant advances in terms of developing a culture of individual accountability.

"I know Mark is strongly supportive of the way the team has progressed and will complement Daniel well."

"Mark will fit into the current team environment extremely well. He will maintain his selectorial responsibilities, as well as providing specialist batting coaching and acting as a sounding-board to the captain over game tactics.

"It is really a continuation of the role he played successfully during the team's tour to the UAE."

A delighted Greatbatch told reporters yesterday a priority was to develop the side's batting.

"In test cricket you need to take 20 wickets and you also need to score a decent amount of runs.

"In the past, we have taken wickets but haven't scored enough runs and that is one area we are looking to improve." he said.

"Hopefully I can put some of my experiences (as a former international player) to use, not in an I-did-it-this-way manner but more about listening, contributing and letting players solve their own problems where possible," he said.

Greatbatch said he drew confidence from Vettori.

"I admire the way he plays. He has his own methods. It is a little bit unique to him but again he has found his `A' game.

"He consistently performs with both ball and bat and is a great leader."

Vettori said Greatbatch's appointment was a chance to continue building the current momentum within the team.

"The team will respond very well to Mark's influence and collectively we can become a better and even more successful cricket team.

"Ultimately though, we will be judged on our results on the field, and it is up to us players to step up to the mark and perform."

Greatbatch's first task is to help steer the Black Caps past Bangladesh, whose tour begins on Wednesday with a Twenty20 match.