T20 World Cup 2021: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has included former pacer Shane Bond in its coaching squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. Bond will also take charge as a coach during New Zealand's tour of India after the T20 World Cup. Shane Bond will also join Mumbai Indians as a bowling coach for the remainder of IPL from September 19 to October 15 in the UAE.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said, "Shane Bond has worked with the national team before. He is well aware of the team's environment and the talent of the players." At the same time, he said, "Bonds will be in UAE for IPL just before the T20 World Cup and his experience will benefit the national team in the World Cup. His arrival will greatly benefit the team strategically."
Shane Bond's experience will benefit us - Gary Stead
Head coach Gary Stead said, "His experience will be of great use to the team, especially for the bowlers. The T20 World Cup format is very dynamic, so we need to be one step ahead of other teams. Shane Bond can work with the team's spin and the pace bowlers and develop an effective plan."
Stead added, "Shane Bond has been playing the role of a coach for New Zealand team as well as for many international league cricket. He was recently associated with our team's camp. His return will greatly benefit the players of the team. Everyone in the team respects him immensely and I know his fine understanding of the game and the opinion team can take the team a long way in this tournament."
New Zealand to play their first match against Pakistan
Shane Bond will be the fourth coach to join the New Zealand team. Apart from Bond, head coaches Gary Stead, Shane Jorgenson, and Luke Ronchi are also part of the coaching staff for the T20 World Cup and the India tour. New Zealand will play their first match of the T20 World Cup against Pakistan on October 26.
