New Zealand include Stephen Fleming, Ian Bell and James Foster in coaching staff ahead of World Cup

Auckland: New Zealand have roped in the services of former skipper Stephen Fleming and the English duo of Ian Bell and James Foster as part of their coaching staff in the lead up to the ODI World Cup in India. Both Fleming and former wicketkeeper Foster come with Indian Premier League (IPL) coaching experience that may help the Black Caps during the World Cup, starting 5 October. Fleming has been coaching the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for over a decade and has guided the MS Dhoni-led side to five IPL titles. He will join the Black Caps for the ODI series against England after finishing his duties with the Southern Brave men in The Hundred next month. “I think Flem will be great for players on that side of it and also good for the staff as well,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. “He’s got immense amount of knowledge in that part of the world (India) and has coached in the IPL right from the start of the competition, so he’s coached in all those areas where we’re going to play in. “So, it might just be the little one-two percenters you can get from that information that could tip the results on your side as well. If things go well you can pick up on some of those small things.” On the other hand, Foster is the current assistant coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The former wicketkeeper has coached in T20 leagues all around the world. He will link up with the Black Caps for the ODI series against England next month before rejoining the squad for the World Cup. “James will come to the World Cup; he’s got a lot of experience in the IPL with the KKR side and in an assistant coach role there he’s worked with video analysts, so will give us a lot of information and knowledge for us to consider when we approach all the different venues in the World Cup,” Stead said. Former England batter Bell will join the Black Caps as assistant coach for the upcoming T20I series against England starting later this month. He will then step into Luke Ronchi’s position as batting coach for the four-game ODI series and continue in the role for the three ODIs in Bangladesh next month, at which point, Ronchi will relieve head coach Stead who will have a short break ahead of the World Cup. Post the World Cup, former Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq will serve as New Zealand’s spin coach for the Bangladesh Test series in December. Ronchi will once again take over as head coach for the series as Stead is set to return home to New Zealand to prepare for the start of the Black Caps home summer on 16 December. “The well-being of our players and staff is of vital importance with the sheer amount of cricket being played these days,” New Zealand manager Simon Insley said. “Following the T20 team’s departure to the UAE (12 August), the team will be on the road right through until December 16 when the Test team returns, ahead of a busy home 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 everyone from players to staff will receive adequate rest.”