Crowe application rejected

Martin Crowe, the former New Zealand captain, is peeved with New Zealand Cricket for rejecting his application for the position of selector. The board cited the blemished history between Crowe and John Bracewell, the NZ coach, for their rejection. Crowe, who has been highly critical of Bracewell's powerful role in the team, also alleged that the coach was overshadowing the captain, Stephen Fleming.

"I've been told there is no point continuing and I won't be getting an interview, which I find sad," Crowe was quoted by stuff.co.nz website. "This personality-clash baggage is ridiculous and people need to move on from that. I don't carry that around, otherwise I wouldn't have applied. The time is right for me and I thought for New Zealand Cricket as well. I've got some information that I think can help us in the buildup to the 2007 World Cup but they obviously aren't interested."

Ross Dykes has stepped down from the four-man selection panel, which also includes Bracewell, Sir Richard Hadlee and Brian McKechnie. However, Crowe has maintained that he would still be available for the position, in case the board changes its mind.

"I put my name in because I have some reservations about selection, but it seems they have likewise about me," Crowe continued, "This shouldn't be about Braces and me, we don't have to have tea together every night. We should be aiming to come up with the best cricket sides."

The new selection panel is expected to be finalised by early June, prior to the Zimbabwe tour in August, and a New Zealand A tour to Sri Lanka in September.