A number of experts will temporarily join New Zealand’s coaching staff on foreign tours in the upcoming months, including former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and former England batter Ian Bell.
Ashes-winner Bell, who switched to coaching in 2020, will assist in the T20Is against England, which are set to start on August 30. As batting coach for the ODI matches against England and Bangladesh leading up to the World Cup, he will take over for Luke Ronchi.
During the World Cup in October–November, Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, and Shane Jurgensen will serve as the full-time coaching staff. James Forster, a former keeper-bat and assistant coach for England, will help with both the ODIs and the World Cup.
While former Pakistani spinner Saqlain Mushtaq will help the team during the Test series in Bangladesh after the World Cup, Chennai Super Kings head coach Fleming will serve as a coach for New Zealand for the ODIs against England.
In order to get ready for New Zealand’s home summer, head coach Stead will take a little break during the ODIs against Bangladesh before the World Cup and will miss the Test matches immediately following the major event. Ronchi will serve as the head coach in Stead’s absence.
Given how much cricket is played these days, team manager Simon Insley stated that the health of both the players and the staff was crucial. “After the T20 team departs for the UAE on August 12, the team will remain on the road until the Test team returns on December 16, just in time for a busy domestic summer.
“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 that everyone, from players to staff, will receive adequate rest.”
“We’re thrilled with the caliber of coaches we’ve been able to confirm to support the Black Caps on the various tours,” the statement continued. Fresh perspectives don’t just energize the players; they also infuse the entire team with new ideas and vigor, which is crucial on away travels.
Since his retirement, Ian Bell has worked with Derbyshire, Hobart Hurricanes, England U19, and Lions, in addition to his present position with the Birmingham Phoenix. Through his vast coaching career, which includes stops as Head Coach in the ILT20, CPL, and PSL, as well as his present position with KKR in the IPL, James Foster has worked with a number of our Black Caps.
“We’re excited to welcome the new guys into our group and get started on a busy and crucial time for the team’s cricket.”
Breakdown of the NZ coaching setup for away tours:
Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, and Shane Jurgensen, in the UAE T20Is (Aug. 12–21)
T20Is for England (from August 30 to September 5): Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen, and Ian Bell
Gary Stead, Shane Jurgensen, Ian Bell, and James Foster/Stephen Fleming for England ODIs (Sept. 8–15).
ODIs versus Bangladesh (September 22–26): Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen, and Ian Bell
Gary Stead, Luke Ronchi, Shane Jurgensen, and James Foster will compete in the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Luke Ronchi, Saqlain Mushtaq, and TBC as the bowling coach for Bangladesh Tests (Nov. 28 – Dec. 10)
