Bond takes first step towards fulltime coaching role

AUCKLAND - Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond hopes that his new role as assistant coach with domestic team Central Districts is merely the “first step” in his journey towards a fulltime coaching job.

Bond, who retired from international cricket in May partly due to ongoing injury problems, has been appointed as Central Districts’ assistant coach for the duration of the Twenty20 HRV Cup.

“My job description with the Stags covers everything, but given I was a bowler, it was always going to mean I’d concentrate more on that side of things. For me, it’s about spending a bit of time watching previous games from years gone by and then putting plans in place for opposition batsmen,” Stuff.co.nz quoted Bond, as saying.

“Coaching was always in the back of my mind as an option once my playing career came to an end. I’ve always enjoyed being part of the team environment and I’ve always loved watching the game.”

“Even when I was playing I would watch cricket matches and analyze them. It was about learning and it was - and is - something that suits my personality. It is certainly something I’ve always wanted to have a go at,” he added.

The 34-year-old had announced his retirement from all forms of the game after competing in this year’s Twenty20 World Cup in the Caribbean.

In nearly nine years of international cricket, Bond played just 18 tests, 80 one-day internationals and 20 Twenty20 internationals. He took 87 test wickets at an excellent average of 22.09, and 147 ODI wickets at 20.88.

His individual highlight was his haul of six for 19 against Australia at the 2003 World Cup when he destroyed the eventual champions” powerful batting lineup. (ANI)