Wright was in charge of Kent county side from 1996 to 2000

John Wright has replaced Mark Greatbatch as New Zealand coach.

The former India and Kent coach steps in following the disappointing tours of Bangladesh and India.

"A thorough review of the tour of India has been undertaken over the last week," New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Justin Vaughan said.

Wright, 56, will take charge immediately, starting with the Boxing Day Twenty20 match against Pakistan before the World Cup.

The former Black Caps Test captain and coach of India from 2000 to 2005, will be expected to turn New Zealand's fortunes around quickly as they host Pakistan for three Twenty20 matches, two Tests and six one-day internationals before heading to the World Cup, which begins on 19 February.

Greatbatch will stay on as the side's batting coach and will form part of a new selection panel, alongside Glen Turner and Lance Cairns, NZC said in a statement.

"The changes being made are a direct result of [the review of the tour of India] and should make a real difference," the statement added.

606: DEBATE Is Wright the right man for the job?

The Black Caps are on a wretched run of form and suffered a 4-0 defeat in a one-day series to Bangladesh in October before losing a three-Test series against India 1-0 and the one-day matches 5-0.

They are currently on an 11-match losing streak in one-day matches, with the World Cup only two months away.

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