Close appointed New Zealand physio

Paul Close and Chris Donaldson have been appointed physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach for New Zealand.

Close previously worked for the BCCI at India's National Cricket Academy and had a stint with the Indian team. Prior to that he was physiotherapist for Bangladesh.

Donaldson, a former New Zealand sprinter, was with Otago Cricket where he headed the strength and conditioning programme. He has also worked as a strength and conditioning consultant for the New Zealand Winter Olympic team, the New Zealand netball team (Silver Ferns), Otago Rowing and also travelled to Australia with the New Zealand Emerging Players cricket side.

Donaldon takes over from Bryan Stronach who takes on a new role as coordinator of the national strength and conditioning programme while Close replaces Dayle Shackel who reverts back to his role of injury management and physiotherapy coordinator.

"We are fortunate to have the expertise of Paul Close who returns to New Zealand after gaining valuable experience from his time with the Indian and Bangladesh national teams," John Wright, the New Zealand coach, said.

"Chris' high performance background is well known to New Zealanders and he is a world class operator. His work with Bryan Stronach is important as we look to take our fitness to higher levels."