Luke Wright to take up short-term role on New Zealand coaching staff

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Former England all-rounder Luke Wright will join New Zealand’s coaching staff on a short-term basis later this summer.

Wright was part of Paul Collingwood’s T20 World Cup-winning side in 2010 and played 101 white-ball internationals for his country.

The 37-year-old still holds a limited-overs contract at Sussex but has agreed to assist the Black Caps’ backroom team during their one-day trips to Ireland, Scotland and Holland.

“Luke will offer in-depth knowledge of the conditions in the UK and his vast experiences in T20 cricket all around the world,” said head coach Gary Stead.

“The fourth coach is a role we’ve used in the past for away tours, with the likes of Luke Ronchi, Thilan Samaweera, Heinrich Malan, Shane Bond, and Jimmy Pamment.

“Along with the practicality of having an extra set of hands, it’s also a way of introducing different voices and skills to the group, as well as giving the fourth coaches themselves an opportunity to learn and develop.”

Stead will lead the three-match Test series against England, with two warm-up matches later this month leading into the Lord’s opener on June 2, but will hand over the reigns in Ireland to assistant Shane Jurgensen.

Dion Ebrahim, Dean Brownlie and Graeme Aldridge have also been drafted in to provide coaching cover on what is set to be a gruelling three-month tour.

“A key lesson from last year’s Covid-enforced schedules was the importance of keeping not just our players fresh, but also our staff,” said Stead.

“We’ve got 14 weeks of non-stop cricket ahead in all three formats and across four countries – along with a T20 World Cup also looming in Australia in October.

“We need to ensure our coaches are at the top of their games throughout that period, and able to create an environment in which the team can continue to improve and thrive.”

Luke Wright

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