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A chat with former New Zealand cricketer and friend Richard Reid convinced David Trist to enter the Black Caps coaching stakes.

In past years Trist has given the high-profile position a wide berth but after an approach from New Zealand Cricket, following the first year of a scheduled three with Auckland, he took it seriously.

``I knew Richard in South Africa and New Zealand, and value his thoughts. He probably helped talk me around into having a go.''

Trist brings an extensive 17-year coaching history into the role and wherever his travels have taken him, through Canterbury, Auckland, South Africa, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, he has made an impact.

Trist believes there is scope for improvement in the Black Caps and feels several players are still under-achieving.

``It's my job to get the best out of them,'' Trist said yesterday from the Netherlands where he is completing a coaching assignment before returning to New Zealand in late August.

``I think we can still expect to see more consistency and progress from the team. There is no reason why people cannot have high expectations of them.''

Trist said his major concern was when a team was beaten badly.

``I'm not a big fan of that and don't want to see it.''

He said he modelled his coaching philosophy on gritty Australian great Bob Simpson, who guided the side throughout a successful decade.

Trist will become a member of the selection panel replacing Steve Rixon, and wants to continue working with and using the latest sports technology and techniques, embracing the skills of Ashley Ross and Gilbert Enoka.

``I also have no qualms about utilising Jeff Crowe, Martin Crowe, Sir Richard Hadlee or any other person, for example Glenn Turner, at times when I believe their expertise and great knowledge can be used.

``While I'm keen to use their skills, at the end of the day myself and (captain) Stephen Fleming have to show the leadership that drive a successful team.

``Most coaches are batsmen, and it is quite refreshing to have the odd bowler coming through as a coach. Contrary to popular opinion it is not only batsmen who know how to coach.''

Trist will bring a simple philosophy to his new role which he was able to accept after Auckland agreed to release him from the final two years of a three-year coaching contract.

``The players will be reminded that industriousness can't be beaten. That means hard work and discipline. Most of it is practice and the rest of it is hard work,'' he said.