Graham Ford to coach Team India

South African Graham Ford has been appointed as the new coach of Team India.South African Graham Ford has been appointed as the new coach of Team India.South African Graham Ford has been appointed as the new coach of Team India.South African Graham Ford has been appointed as the new coach of Team India.NEW DELHI, June 9: Former South Africa coach Graham Ford has been declared as India's new coach.He would be serving a one year contract with Team India. Ford would be getting back to BCCI after discussing the matter with the Kent County.
Senior players had all unanimously suggested Graham Ford's name for coaching the India team.
Former Indian cricketer, Ravi Shastri had spoken to Graham Ford on his availability for taking up the new responsibility. Graham Ford is currently appointed as the Director of Coaching at the English county, Kent. He had earlier coached South Africa from 1999-2001.
Ford was also the coach of South African provincial team Natal. The team for India's tour of England would be declared on June 12, 2007 at Delhi. Team India is to go for a preparatory camp with Ford in NCA, Bangalore.
Former South African cricketer and famed international fielder, Jonty Rhodes has quoted about Ford, "He is undoubtedly a very much behind the scene contributor." On the home front, Kiran More, former chairman of selectors, has strongly seconded the decision by declaring, "It is an outstanding decision."
Fact Box: Graham Ford
In Video: Team India’s new coach
"I am disappointed"
Meanwhile, the other contender for the top job, England's John Emburey expressed disappointment at losing the opportunity to coach Team India.
"I'm obviously a little disappointed. But Graham will be a good coach for India. I don't know Graham that much but he was the coach of Kent and he's done very well there, so he will be very good. He'll work with the players well," Emburey said.
"I think he's got more experience in international cricket having coached South Africa. That's very important. We have to move on. It's a two-horse race. Someone's got to lose. Disappointed to not to have got the job but everything was done very fairly, no complaints about that. I'm pleased for Graham. I head back to Lords now and Graham coaches India. It's as simple as that," Emburey said.
Graham Ford as a CoachTests for South AfricaMWLDTWin%For SA (1999-2002)331689048.48ODIs for South AfricaMWLNRTieWin%For SA (1999-2002)8352281262.65Complied by Kumud Mehta