Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been added to the Black Caps coaching staff by the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 and a T20I series against India after the global event to be held in October-November in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman.
Bond joins head coach Gary Stead, batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen in the New Zealand coaching set-up. He will be a valuable addition to the Black Caps’ coaching set-up given his coaching experience across the world.
Well, the 46-year-old isn’t new to the New Zealand players, as the former bowler has already worked on three-year tenure as bowling coach (2012-15), as well as, was a consultant during a T20I series against England in 2019. He also worked with New Zealand A side.
After being stepped down as Sydney Thunder coach earlier this year, Bond has been assisting New Zealand’s winter training squads at Lincoln and preparing the women's team, the White Ferns for their tour of England.
The NZC said Bond will join the New Zealand squad in the UAE after the conclusion of the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021), where he is with the Mumbai Indians (MI) as bowling coach.
Hailing Bond’s signing, Stead said in a statement issued by NZC: “Shane's been in our environment before and understands what we're about. Being in the UAE (with the IPL) immediately prior to the world cup … he'll hopefully bring some tactical insight into what's been happening in the competition.”
He added, “He'll be an extra set of hands especially around the bowlers, working with the spin and the pace bowlers and developing their plans in a tournament that moves pretty quick - so we need to be one step ahead of other teams. He has been working away with New Zealand players for a long time and he’s been involved in our recent camps so it’s been good for him to reacquaint himself with our guys.”
The head coach signed by saying, “He’s held in high regard and I know he’ll bring a lot of knowledge and opinions to the group. The fourth coach for me is an opportunity to bring in different voices to the environment and we’ve used it in a whole host of ways in the past. Shane is someone who always adds value and we’re delighted to have him on board.”
(With PTI Inputs)
