Grant Bradburn named New Zealand A and U-19 coach

Grant Bradburn, the former New Zealand offspinner, has been appointed head coach of New Zealand A and the national Under-19 side. He will begin his new role this week and has been contracted until the end of the U-19 World Cup in March 2014.

"To be able to work with some of New Zealand's most elite and exciting players is a great opportunity," Bradburn said. He will head to Darwin for the ongoing U-19 tri-series also involving Australia and India, and coach the A team ahead of the tours of India and Sri Lanka in August.

"The Under-19 team is the future of New Zealand cricket and tournaments like the tri-series and Under-19 World Cup are prime opportunities to introduce them to the pressures of international cricket. New Zealand A gives players the chance to make the next step up from domestic level and push for future blackcaps selection. It's important that we get their preparation right."

Bradburn played seven Tests and 11 ODIs for New Zealand. He made 127 first-class appearances, scoring 4978 runs and taking 250 wickets, most of which were for Northern Districts, a side he later coached for five years.

"We're thrilled to have secured someone like Grant, who as shown by his successful time with the Northern Knights, is a proven first-class coach," John Buchanan, NZC director of cricket said. "Improving our depth at the top level is a focus for us, and both- the New Zealand A and the New Zealand U-19 side, will play a big part in this. With his experience and knowledge of the domestic scene, we're confident Grant's the right man for the job."