Having previously associated with England as their bowling consultant in 2017, former New Zealand pacer Shane Bond has once again set his sights on the role, as the post is still vacant on a full-time basis after Chris Silverwood was promoted from bowling coach to head coach after Trevor Bayliss’ exit.
Bayliss called time on his tenure as England head coach and Silverwood was handed the reins of the side after the conclusion of the 2019 season, including successful World Cup and drawn Ashes series.
While England is yet to announce a full-time bowling coach, as they brought in Darren Gough to assist the bowlers for the New Zealand Tests, Bond has expressed his interest in becoming the Lions’ bowling coach, saying he has a great understanding and relationship with the English players.
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On Thursday, November 7, Bond, who also previously guided New Zealand’s bowlers for two and a half years until the 2015 World Cup and is current bowling coach of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has admitted that he would be keen to take charge of England's fast bowlers.
As per reports in Cricbuzz, Bond told reporters: “Yes, definitely. I think you look at everything that's put in front of you, wherever the opportunities come up. There was a massive clearing of the decks after the World Cup and coaches moved not only in the franchise world but in the international world as well.”
He continued, “Whatever you're doing as a coach, you want something that's going to excite you, hopefully, make you better, present a different opportunity - I think you look at everything that comes across your door.”
Meanwhile, the 44-year-old, who is currently working as New Zealand's stand-in bowling coach in the absence of Shane Jurgensen, who is on a short break, recently met the English team in Christchurch.
He added, “I know all the English guys. I caught up with them in Christchurch when they down for their pre-season tournament [T20 warm-up fixtures]. I really enjoyed being with the team and liked the guys.”
Bond signed off by saying, “The biggest challenge of the international game is the grind of a coach. Look at England in particular: 300 days a year on the road, it's challenging on family life. Whether it's coaches or players, good management of people is paramount.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
