WELLINGTON: New Zealand have named Australian Damien Wright as their new bowling coach, the country's cricket board said on Friday.

The Victorian, who replaces South African Allan Donald, played first-class cricket for 15 years, taking 406 first-class wickets in 123 matches before retiring this year. He will begin his new role on September 5.

Donald left the New Zealand role to take up a position as assistant to South Africa coach Gary Kirsten.

“Damien comes highly regarded by his peers and coaches in Australia. He is a coach on the rise and we are lucky to secure his services,” New Zealand coach John Wright was quoted as saying in a New Zealand Cricket statement.

“As a player he made the most of his ability and got everything out of himself and they are qualities he will bring to his coaching.

“He will offer a lot to the team in terms of energy and enthusiasm and relate particularly well to the young fast bowlers.”—Reuters