As the runners-up in both the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, New Zealand has established itself as a reliable squad in the premier competition. In preparation for the next ODI World Cup, which starts on October 5, the Black Caps have added new tactical coaches to their coaching team.
In preparation for the 10-team World Cup, the Kiwis have hired former national captain Stephen Fleming, famed England batter Ian Bell, and former England wicketkeeper James Foster in key coaching roles. Since 2009, Fleming has served as the Chennai Super Kings’ head coach and has assisted MS Dhoni’s team in five Indian Premier League championships.
Foster, on the other hand, has now served as the Kolkata Knight Riders’ assistant coach for a number of seasons. Bell, a fellow countryman, competed in numerous international games in the subcontinent and up against some of the top spinners in the world. Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, believed that the trio’s knowledge of Indian playing conditions would benefit his country’s effort to advance in the upcoming World Cup.
“I believe Flem [Stephen Fleming] will be excellent for both the staff and the players on that side of the field. He has an extensive understanding of that region of the world [India] and has been a coach in the IPL since the competition’s inception, so he has experience in all the regions where we will play. Therefore, the small one-to-two percenters you can derive from that information may also sway the outcome in your favour. If everything goes right, you can see some of those little things, Gary reportedly told the news channel.
