There was no alternative. The split was a mile wide.

From the minute the gulf between senior Black Caps and coach Andy Moles was revealed in totality for all to see, it was inevitable that the trap-door would have to be released as rapidly as possible.

And any thoughts that somehow, Moles could stay coach for the five-match tour of Abu Dhabi and Dubai were absurd and would have required each party taking on Oscar-winning acting roles.

From what I've heard and read and been told, I accept that Andy Moles was quite simply not up to the job and had never gained the full support of the dressing room from when he first took on the mantle nearly a year ago.

His apparent inability to offer any significant benefits either technically or tactically, quickly raised very real doubts.

In other words, he did little to fill the vacuum of disenchantment that John Bracewell had left by the time he departed.

That being the case, there is not an inch of mileage to be gained by turning the blame-torch on the players in this instance.

They are undoubtedly underachievers for the most part, but a dysfunctional, inadequate coach certainly doesn't assist their cause.

So rather than pursue that tempting option, I'm convinced that the most fitting direction in which blame should be fired is at New Zealand Cricket for hiring Moles in the first place.

I still remember thinking what a curious statement that NZC chief executive, Justin Vaughan made when Moles was appointed last November.

I've managed to find what Vaughan in fact said.

"I am particularly excited at Andy's appointment. After a very thorough, long process, we realise that Andy has all the attributes we are looking for in a new Black Caps coach," said Vaughan.

In the circumstances, it was a dubious statement then, which has now been made to look even more nonsensical.

What in fact Vaughan would have been far more honest to say is this.

"After a very thorough, long process, we hoped to have appointed Matthew Mott but he has changed his mind at the very last minute. That's why we've had no other option at this stage than to appoint Andy Moles who, despite his patchy CV, we have our fingers-crossed can fulfil the role."

In other words, Vaughan and co. panicked and went with a second best selection. More time should been taken after Mott reneged, even though Daniel Vettori had given guarded approval after his brief liaison with Moles at Northern Districts.

The facts are these.

Matthew Mott's credentials seriously stacked up. He was a successful, Australian first-class cricketer with a glowing reputation as assistant coach to New South Wales and who has just guided them to take out the inaugural Champions League Twenty 20 final.

Andy Moles' credentials were lean at best. He was an average English county cricketer who had come to Northern Districts after turbulent times as coach of both Kenya and Scotland.

In fact, senior Scottish players were also instrumental in his demise there.

In brief, NZ Cricket appointed Moles in acute haste and however much sweet perfume they want to spray on the mess and despite Vaughan's protestations that everything is luvy-duvvy, they now have to pay in more ways than one for this bout of irresponsible, ill-judgement.

Too often in top sport, in my opinion, it's the men in the suits, the men at Head Office who escape the flak that they alone, fully deserve when an ill-considered appointment inevitably turns sour.

For example, whether you approve of his unique, coaching style or not, it's pretty much generally accepted that John Mitchell was given the head-coaching role of the men in black prematurely.

When the tide turned against Mitchell and he was dumped with full fury, you'd have sworn that the vitriol directed at the man meant he must have appointed himself.

But in reality, a large portion of this anger and frustration should have been firmly deposited at the doors of the NZRFU and the incompetents who originally chose the man from Waikato.

There are already suggestions being touted for the way ahead regarding the coaching of the Black Caps from critics and ex-players, including giving Daniel Vettori sole charge which will be the reality in the upcoming tour.

Whatever eventuates, let's just hope that the sheer incompetence displayed in the selection of Andy Moles plays no future part whatsoever.

And could I also add to this wish-list, a request that once and for all, John Wright gives a final, firm indication as to whether he has any intention of coaching the Black Caps ever in the future.

My information is that he has no desire to ever take on the role.

Confirming this either way would thankfully put an end to the never-ending pondering from both critics and fans alike that has now become tedious.

If you agree or disagree with any of the above, please let me know.