Ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand have bolstered their coaching roster by signing former England internationals Ian Bell and James Foster for the next four months.

Former Kiwi skipper Stephen Fleming and legendary Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq are among others to join the BlackCaps coaching staff and will take up different roles.

Bell, who represented England in 118 Tests, 161 ODIs and 8 T20Is, will serve as assistant coach for the upcoming T20I series against England starting later this month. He will then step into Luke Ronchi’s position as batting coach for the four-game ODI series (September 8 - 15) and continue in the role for the three ODIs in Bangladesh (September 21 – 26).

On the other hand, Ronchi will perform the role of a head coach during the Bangladesh tour as Gary Stead will get a break ahead of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.

Former Test wicketkeeper, Foster, will join the team as assistant coach for the England ODI series and will continue in the role until the ODI World Cup, slated to be held in India from October 5 to November 19.

Moreover, New Zealand will benefit from the return of Fleming for his second coaching stint, which will see him join the ODI series against England (September 8-15).

Former Pakistan coach, Saqlain, will play the role of spin coach for the Bangladesh Test series in December, following his stint with the team on the white-ball tour of Pakistan in April.

(With IANS Inputs)