New Zealand cricket board has strengthed their coaching staff with inclusion of Ian Bell, James Foster and Stephen Fleming. It is expected that these high profile ex players will help the New Zealand cricket team in upcoming few months to throughly prepare them for the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023.
Ian Bell will join the New Zealand coaching staff ahead of their T20I series against England which will start next month. After the conclusion of T20I series, Bell will join the ODI team as batting coach and will be in that position for next 7 matches, four against England and next 3 against Bangladesh just before the World Cup.
Luke Ronchi, the current batting coach, will take the position of head coach in the meantime because Gary Stead is going to take a short break just before the World Cup.
On the same note, James Foster, the former New Zealand wicketkeeper, will join the team as assistant coach at the beginning of ODI series against England and will continue to lead the position throughout the World Cup 2023. Foster has previously worked with Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL so considering that, his experience can come useful in assessment and development.
The biggest name joining the coaching staff is going to be former Blackcaps captain Stephen Fleming. Currently one of the most experienced coach in the cricketing arena, Fleming will join the coaching staff for the ODI series against England that will start from September 8. Fleming is currently associated with Southern Brave Men’s team in the Hundred.
Saqlain Mushtaq will look over spin bowling coach in the staff for New Zealand’s two match test series against Bangladesh later in this year’s December. Mushtaq worked with New Zealand spinners as a coach during New Zealand tour of Pakistan that took place in April 2023.
After the hectic Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 completion, head coach Gary Stead will take a short break and Luke Ronchi will be filling up the role of head coach against Bangladesh in 2 test match series.
Upcoming Tours/Tournaments For New Zealand
August 30 to September 5: Three match T20I series against England
September 8 to September 15: Four match ODI series against England
September 21 to September 26: Three match ODI series against Bangladesh
October to November: ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023
November 28 to December 10: Two match test series against Bangladesh
