By Paresh Soni
BBC Sport in the Caribbean |
In cricket more than any other sport, the captain is the pivotal figure out on the field, the general who ensures team strategies are executed.
But in the last decade coaches have become increasingly influential and high-profile off it. One of the reasons for that is the success enjoyed by Australia under John Buchanan.
 Buchanan shares a quiet word with his captain Ricky Ponting |
The Queenslander's eight-year reign comes to an end after this tournament and, whatever the outcome here, he will leave with an unprecedented catalogue of success.
A staggering 25 Test series wins and only two losses have been achieved in addition to a World Cup triumph in 2003 and record runs of consecutive victories in Tests (16) and one-day internationals (21).
'Buck' was a modest player, making a handful of first-class appearances, but quickly established a reputation as a thinker with a Masters degree in sports administration.
"What he brought was intellectual rigour," veteran commentator Jim Maxwell told BBC Sport.
"The database Australia now have of material they've been able to gather on the opposition - and the way they play - is enormous and that is largely down to Buchanan."
From the start of his coaching career, Buchanan focused on computer analysis to arm his teams with as much information as possible.
Queensland, who had never won the Sheffield Shield before he arrived, were transformed into a formidable outfit and celebrated two titles under his guidance in the 1990s.
 | He's been a mentor for Steve Waugh and now Ricky Ponting Jim Maxwell
ABC commentator |
Middlesex's players were not so receptive during an unhappy stint in 1998, but he had impressed the Australian authorities enough to be appointed as Geoff Marsh's replacement a year later.
As well as the glory, there have been plenty of brickbats for the coach.
Following the 2005 Ashes loss to England, ex-Aussie captain Ian Chappell said: "If you're calling Buchanan a coach then it's a waste of time because he can't coach cricket."
Maxwell says that is unfair and feels the 54-year-old should be judged on the support structure he has provided for captains and players.
"He's been a mentor for Steve Waugh and now Ricky Ponting, and both felt he was a valuable adjunct to the team.
"John's had a lot to do with moulding the thinking of people like Ponting about how to run the team and Ponting is now more in control of this side than he was 18 months ago.
"We now have a fielding and bowling coach and two really good fitness guys. Buchanan's been influential in getting this ancillary staffing for the side.
| 606: DISCUSS JOHN BUCHANAN |
"Through his management and his endeavour he's been able to get the add-ons his side needs."
During the 2001 Ashes tour to England, Buchanan drew on the teachings of Chinese warlord Sun Tzu, while players have been encouraged to give talks on subjects ranging from wrestler Hulk Hogan to the Bee Gees to improve their confidence.
He has also asked his men to practise batting and catching with their eyes shut and even held vocabulary lessons in the 2005 Ashes series, which even he admitted was "a step too far".
Legendary leg-spinner Shane Warne was among his biggest sceptics, and was furious at having to attend a military-style training camp in 2006.
Maxwell explains: "It has been a culture shock at times for the players but he is not an inspirational talker, he's never been a rant and rave motivator, so he needed to do those sorts of things to stimulate the players."
Eyebrows have also been raised at some of the perceived mind games used to jolt the opposition.
 'Buck' faces the media on the difficult 2005 tour of England |
In the past he has pushed notes addressed to his own players under the hotel room doors of opponents, while earlier this year he accused New Zealand and England of not testing his bowlers enough.
Those comments were ridiculed when the Aussies slumped to defeat in the CB Series and lost 3-0 in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy in New Zealand.
Maxwell says most of Buchanan's problems have come from muddled thinking rather than sinister attempts to undermine rivals.
"When he's being interviewed he doesn't make a direct point, he tends to appear disorganised and convoluted - that's his style."
Despite jibes about his techniques, Buchanan will leave with his CV enhanced and Maxwell believes there will be interest in his services inside and outside the game.
"He will be remembered as the most successful coach in Australian cricketing history," he added.
"Bobby Simpson turned everything round and brought discipline to the side but Buchanan has taken it on and will leave as a highly-rated coach.
"He's looking around and trying to relate his skills to the corporate world. From what I understand, he will make a move in that direction."
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