New Zealand Cricket Rope In New Coaching Staff Ahead Of World Cup 2023; Ian Bell, Stephen Fleming, And Saqlain Mushtaq To Join Black Caps
Published - 23 Aug 2023, 01:51 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:17 AM
New Zealand Cricket roped former England cricketers Ian Bell and James Foster into their coaching staff for a short-term period during their upcoming away tours. Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming re-joined the Black Caps team for his second stint as a coach.
The Kiwis are set to travel to England and Bangladesh before the much-awaited ODI World Cup 2023 in India later this year. The Blackcaps will compete in four T20Is and four ODIs against England, followed by a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh next month.
Looking Forward To Welcoming The New Guys – Simon Insley
New Zealand team manager Simon Insley believes that Ian Bell and James Foster’s experience will be beneficial for the team in the lead-up to the World Cup.
“Ian Bell has had a broad range of experiences as batting coach since retiring, working with Derbyshire, Hobart Hurricanes, England U19 and Lions as well as his current role with the Birmingham Phoenix.”
“James Foster has worked with a number of our Black Caps through his extensive coaching history which has featured stints as Head Coach in the ILT20, CPL the PSL along with his current role with KKR in the IPL.”
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the new guys into our group and getting stuck into a busy and important period of cricket for the team.”
Stephen Fleming To Join New Zealand In England
Stephen Fleming will have a second coaching stint with New Zealand in England. Head coach Gary Stead will take a short break during the Bangladesh ODIs before the World Cup. Assistant coach Luke Ronchi will serve as the stand-in head coach.
Gary Stead will also miss the two-match Test series against Bangladesh after the World Cup to prepare for New Zealand’s summer. Former Pakistan spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will assist the team as a spin bowling coach during the Test series.
“The well-being of our players and staff is of vital importance with the sheer amount of cricket being played these days. Following the T20 team’s departure to the UAE (Aug 12), the team will be on the road right through until December 16 when the Test team returns, ahead of a busy home summer,” Simon Insley added.
“That period of time playing, working and simply being away from home is not sustainable and we’ve worked really hard this winter to ensure everyone from players to staff will receive adequate rest. We’re delighted with the caliber of coaches we’ve been able to confirm to assist the BLACKCAPS on the various tours.”
The second-string New Zealand team beat the United Arab Emirates (UAE) 2-1 in the three-match T20I series. They will start their World Cup campaign against England in the first match of the tournament in India.
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