The iconic Ashes series between Australia and England will start from the month of November. The English side has brought in the former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond as the bowling consultant. He will be working with the side for the first 2 Tests of the series.
Ottis Gibson was serving the duties of the bowling coach for England but after his contract expired, he was named the head coach of South Africa. To fill in for Gibson, the Three Lions have roped in Shane Bond who will be assisting the bowlers in the first 2 Tests scheduled to be played at Brisbane and Adelaide respectively.
Bond, at present, is the head coach of New Zealand ‘A’ side which is touring India for 2 four-day matches and 5 one-dayers. As his contract expires by the end of the tour in mid-October, he will join Joe Root and Co. in November. Bond is associated with Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League that will start from December 19 and hence, he will leave the English side after just 2 Tests.
“In addition to current full-time members of staff, former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond has been appointed fast bowling consultant and will be part of the England management team up to the end of the second test in Australia,” the statement from England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) stated.
Experienced as a coach
Bond, after his retirement from the game, has been associated with the game in the coaching business He is also the bowling coach of the Indian Premier League franchise Mumbai Indians.
The 42-year-old has played a lot of cricket in Australia and must be fully aware of what the conditions down under have to offer. His tricks will come in handy for the England team as they look to defend the urn they won in the last Ashes back home.
