The New Zealand cricket team, also known as the Blackcaps, has made several additions to their coaching staff for the upcoming busy schedule. Former England players Ian Bell and James Foster are among the notable names joining the coaching setup for the next four months. The team’s coaching staff will consist of former cricketers taking on various roles on a series-by-series basis.
Ian Bell will serve as the assistant coach during the T20I series against England, followed by taking on the role of batting coach for the ODI series against England. He will continue this role during the important tour to Bangladesh. This transition will allow head coach Gary Stead to focus on preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.
James Foster, who is currently an assistant coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, returns to the Blackcaps’ coaching staff after a hiatus since 2018. He will assist the team during the England and continue his role into the World Cup campaign later in the year.
Former New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming will also return for his second coaching stint. Saqlain Mushtaq will serve as the spin bowling coach during the Bangladesh Test series in December.
“We’re delighted with the caliber of coaches we’ve been able to confirm to assist the Blackcaps on the various tours,” New Zealand Cricket team manager Simon Insley stated.
“New voices don’t just freshen things up for the players but they also bring new ideas and energy to the whole group which is especially important on away tours.”
The coaching setup for different phases of the team’s schedule is as follows:
- UAE T20Is (Aug 12-21): Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen
- England T20Is (Aug 30 – Sept 5): Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen, Ian Bell
- England ODIs (Sept 8-15): Gary Stead, Shane Jurgensen, Ian Bell, James Foster/Stephen Fleming
- Bangladesh ODIs (Sept 21-26): Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen, Ian Bell
- Cricket World Cup (Oct/Nov): Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen, James Foster
This diverse coaching setup aims to provide the Blackcaps with the expertise and support needed to navigate their demanding cricket schedule effectively.
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