WELLINGTON, Oct 19: Former paceman Shane Bond was appointed New Zealand’s bowling coach on Friday, ahead of a tough international season that includes Test series against South Africa, England and Sri Lanka.

Bond, 37, said he had aspired to the role since 2010, when a succession of injuries that blighted his once-promising career forced him out of the game with just 18 Test caps in nine years.

“This is a role I have worked towards since I stopped playing,” he said.

“The experience of playing for New Zealand exceeded my expectations and I’m sure it will be no different as a coach.”

Bond will accompany the Black Caps to Sri Lanka later this month and be part of the coaching set-up when New Zealand tour South Africa in December, then host England in February.

“The Black Caps have some very important cricket coming up and we are delighted to have Shane on board to help develop and prepare our international bowling attack,” New Zealand Cricket director of cricket John Buchanan said.

“His knowledge of the modern game will be a valuable asset to the team.”—AFP