Bond and Marshall sign for Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire have confirmed that Shane Bond and Hamish Marshall will be their overseas players next season. Their interest in the New Zealand pair was already known, but gaining the signatures is a major boost for the club who suffered relegation in the County Championship last summer.

Marshall will add some much needed steel to the top order while Bond will bring a cutting edge to the attack, providing Jon Lewis, the new captain, with support for his workload.

Mark Alleyne, the head coach, said: "We are really excited to have the two Black Caps, as they are known, playing for Gloucestershire. We like the general ethics of the New Zealand players and hope that their experience and ability will serve the county well."

Bond, who has only recently returned to the New Zealand side following back surgery, added: "I am delighted at the opportunity to play a season of county cricket with Gloucestershire. The club comes highly recommended and I am looking forward to working with Mark Alleyne and the team for what promises to be an exciting year,"

Meanwhile Marshall, who struggled on the recent tour of South Africa, says a stint in county cricket has always been something he wanted. "I am really looking forward to playing for Gloucestershire next season as I have heard really good things about the club from John Bracewell. Playing county cricket has always been an ambition for me and I know the Club are very keen to have a successful season which I can't wait to be a part of."

Bond has an impressive international record, having taken 56 wickets at 20.80 in 12 Tests and a further 67 at 18.34 in 67 ODIs. Despite Marshall's recent lean run he still averages 48.58 in nine Tests and 32.75 in 42 ODIs.

Gloucestershire are still in discussion with the NZCB to confirm the start date for the players. Both players will be on tour in South Africa until May 10 so it is hoped they will arrive in England shortly afterwards.