Bond appointed Central Districts' assistant coach

Shane Bond has been appointed assistant coach of Central Districts for the HRV Cup, New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 competition. This is Bond's second stint with Central Districts - he served in a similar role during the Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa earlier this year.

"I really enjoyed my time with the Stags [Central Districts] at the Champions League," Bond told blackcaps.nz.co. "They are a team with great potential and I am really excited at the opportunity to help defend them defend their title."

Central Districts finished at the bottom of Group B in the Champions League Twenty20 after they lost all four league games. They are, however, reigning champions in the HRV Cup, and will be bolstered by the inclusion of England imports Michael Yardy and Ian Blackwell. "We learnt a lot in South Africa," Bond said, "and with the addition of two class overseas players, it is a hugely exciting time to be involved in the Stags. I'm really looking forward to what will be a great month or so of Twenty20 cricket."

Central Districts coach Alan Hunt said Bond's stint would be invaluable. "Having played Twenty20 cricket at the highest level so recently, Shane offers a valuable insight into the tactical and strategic side of the game. Developing and implementing plans about where and how to bowl at the various stages of an innings is critical and Shane offers a lot in this respect.

"We also have a very promising group of young fast bowlers and Shane's involvement with them is an important part of their ongoing development, so it is great to have him back with us."

Central Districts chief executive Hugh Henderson said Bond would be a welcome addition to the management team as they set out to defend their title. "He [Bond] is someone who sets very high standards and it is this attitude that we will need if we are to successfully defend the HRV Cup".

Bond will join the team after next week's Plunket Shield games. Central Districts kick off their HRV campaign against Northern Districts on December 2.