New Zealand depart for Pakistan

The New Zealand cricket team departed today for the United Arab Emirates without a coach or a vice-captain ahead of a series of one-day internationals and 20/20 matches against Pakistan.



Captain Daniel Vettori will act as player-coach for the three One Day Internationals in Abu Dhabi and two 20/20 internationals in Dubai after the resignation Saturday of coach Andy Moles.



Wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum was stripped of his roles as vice-captain days later, leaving Vettori with unprecedented power as captain, coach and national selector.



Moles\' resignation was forced after players expressed a lack of confidence in his abilities on returning from their run to the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa.



Players were able to contribute assessments of the coach during a standard review of the team\'s performance at the Champions Trophy and on their recent tour to Sri Lanka.



Many of the comments were reportedly negative, suggesting the 48-year-old Moles had not provided the technical or tactical support sought by players.