NZ performance director's future hinges on results

Roger Mortimer, the New Zealand Cricket performance director who has been under fire since the 4-0 drubbing in the one-day series against Bangladesh earlier this month, has said he should lose his job if New Zealand continue to struggle.

"I feel fully responsible for what happened in Bangladesh and if the results continue to go the way they do, I have to be the first person to lose my job - there's no question about that," he told New Zealand's Sunday News. "I'm a massive advocate of being accountable."

He denied his presence was a distraction, as some critics have claimed, saying it was his role to make sure everyone is focused and "doing what they should be doing," but conceded that his methods had yet to show results.

"We want to see results in India, no doubt. But more importantly for the sport is whether my approach is right. I do think we have a player or two - and I won't name names - who are starting to show those attributes. But in a cricket team you need a minimum of five or six to really deliver.

"So we aren't making progress yet because we aren't taking individual responsibility. The only time to do it is when you play. Let's see what happens in India."

Mortimer, 38, had joined the New Zealand side as a consultant during their previous home season, and took up his current full-time role with them five months ago. He had earlier worked with cyclist Sarah Ulmer and triathlete Hamish Carter, guiding them to Olympic golds in 2004.

Last week, the New Zealand board conducted a comprehensive review of the Bangladesh tour, but didn't made any sweeping changes, preferring to give Daniel Vettori's men a chance to redeem themselves on the tour of India which starts on November 4.