New Zealand look to O'Donnell for inside information

New Zealand have approached Mark O'Donnell, the current Auckland and former Gauteng coach, to help them plot against South Africa in the forthcoming one-day series, according to the The Dominion Post.

O'Donnell, who coached Gauteng before moving to Auckland last summer, is highly regarded and knows the ins and outs of South Africa's strengths and weaknesses. Although neither O'Donnell or Lindsay Crocker, the New Zealand manager, have confirmed the news, it is thought to be a done deal.

The only delay surrounding the move is thought to be over the board gaining clearance from Auckland. Crocker said, "I'm unable to confirm anything at the moment, but there could be something in a few days."

O'Donnell is already due to join the squad for the three-Test series, which starts in Hamilton on March 10, but was prevented from joining them any earlier because of his commitments to Auckland in the State Championship. His knowledge on the South Africans comes from his time at the national academy, where Jacques Kallis and Herschelle Gibbs graduated, and also from his six seasons with Gauteng.

New Zealand have used O'Donnell before during the 2003 World Cup, even though they then went against his recommendation in the first match against Sri Lanka by opting to bowl first.

Since coming to New Zealand, O'Donnell has an impressive record with Auckland, taking them to the first-class title in his first year, and qualifying top for the domestic one-day final, only to lose to Northern Districts.

This season they were beaten in the semi-final of the State Shield by eventual winners Central Districts, and are currently third in the Championship.