The New Zealand cricket team is aiming to significantly increase its coaching staff for the T20 World Cup 2024. According to reports in the New Zealand Herald, Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond could join the national team for the upcoming ICC tournament.
New Zealand have been consistent with their performances in ICC events across all white-ball formats. However, the Black Caps have faced disappointment when it comes to trophies, despite consistently reaching the semi-finals in the last four major tournaments.
New Zealand will not be considered among the favorites for the 2024 T20 World Cup unlike previous competitions. The Kiwis intend to strengthen the technical department to improve their performance in the next event to be held in the Caribbean and the United States in June.
Black caps aim to protect Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond
Gary Stead, the current head coach, received a two-year extension in 2023. He will oversee team operations from a support staff perspective. However, the Black Caps want to incorporate Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond to enhance the success of the national cricket team.
The report further suggests that it could be difficult to secure his services due to his current coaching commitments in various T20 leagues around the world. Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond will soon be seen with their respective teams in the Indian Premier League.
Coaching experience of Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond
Renowned for his coaching prowess in franchise cricket, Fleming has led teams such as Chennai Super Kings, Joburg Super Kings and Texas Super Kings in the IPL, SA20 and MLC leagues respectively. He also served as a consultant for the Blackcaps during the 2021 World T20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where they advanced to the final.
Bond, on the other hand, previously served as the bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians (MI) before joining the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2024. His coaching experience extends to roles with MI Emirates, Paarl Royals and Sydney Thunder. Additionally, the former fast bowlers served as the Blackcaps’ bowling coach from 2012 to 2015.
Gary Stead and Luke Ronchi serve as head coach and assistant coach in the support staff setup. Ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Kiwis have secured the services of Ian Bell and James Foster. Former players such as Kyle Mills, Jacob Oram and Daniel Flynn have also contributed as coaches to the team’s needs in the past.
New Zealand to face Pakistan in April
New Zealand will face Pakistan in their next international matches. The first three T20Is of the series will be held in Rawalpindi on April 18, 20 and 21, with the remaining matches scheduled for April 25 and 27 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
“As a testament to the unbreakable camaraderie between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and New Zealand Cricket (NZC), we are delighted to present the schedule for the New Zealand men’s team’s tour to Pakistan 2024. This tour symbolizes the deep-rooted ties and respect mutual that defines the relationship between our two cricketing nations,” PCB Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla said in a press release.
“Our avid cricket fans and the people of Pakistan will once again welcome the New Zealand team and we look forward to another competitive series which will be a key part of our preparation for this year’s ICC T20 World Cup.” he added.
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