Brisbane, Oct. 29 (ANI): Former New Zealand opener John Wright, who coached India with great success, has emerged as the favourite to become coach of the Black Caps after two Australians and ex-Black Cap skipper Stephen Fleming ruled themselves out on Wednesday.

Former Australian wicketkeeper Steve Rixon is also a contender for the assignment after fellow Australian coaches — West Australian coach Tom Moody and Victoria’s Greg Shipperd told AAP they would look to continue their state jobs.

Rixon coached the Black Caps from 1997 to 1999 and has emerged as a contender for the post after Andy Moles resigned last week following a player backlash.

Former Sri Lanka coach Moody said he was happy with his WA and Kings XI Punjab IPL commitments and had no great desire to return to the Test arena. Shipperd, who showed interest in coaching NZ before the job was awarded to Moles, virtually ruled himself out due to personal reasons, despite also recently re-signing with Victoria.

NSW coach Matthew Mott is also understood to be unavailable after re-signing with the Blues, who he took to the Champions League Twenty20 title.

New Zealand Cricket is in no rush to appoint a replacement for Moles with captain Daniel Vettori to hold the reins until next February.

Moody backed spinner Vettori to handle both roles without the extra responsibilities affecting his game.

“He’s an impressive individual, not only as a player but also a leader,” Moody said. (ANI)