Dimitri Mascarenhas replaces Shane Bond as New Zealand bowling coach on full-time basis

Dimitri Mascarenhas

Former England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas has been appointed as the New Zealand bowling coach on a permanent basis, replacing Shane Bond who quit after the recent World Cup where co-hosts New Zealand finished as runners-up. Mascarenhas had previously been appointed for the ongoing England tour alone, and his work with the New Zealand bowlers, who managed to take 20 wickets in both the Test matches, seems to have convinced New Zealand Cricket (NZC) of his credentials.

“Dimitri has impressed in the short time he's been with the BlackCaps and we're delighted he's accepted the offer to continue working with the side," Lindsay Crocker, NZC's head of cricket, said. "Both coach Mike Hesson and captain Brendon McCullum have been pleased with his contribution on the tour and have watched him develop excellent working relationships with the bowling group."

Mascarenhas expressed his delight at being appointed on a full-time basis and is very much looking forward to working with a group of bowlers who have quickly established themselves among the best bowling attacks in the world.

"I'm very much looking forward to being part of this organisation and playing my part in helping us progress further," Mascarenhas said. "The Black Caps are blessed with some outstanding bowlers and it was a privilege to be involved with the side during the Test win in Leeds.

"My immediate aim is to assist the incumbents' continued development and to help maintain a healthy depth in New Zealand Cricket's elite bowling stocks."