Gloucestershire sign Kiwi duo

Hamish Marshall

Gloucestershire have announced that New Zealand internationals Shane Bond and Hamish Marshall will be their overseas professionals for the 2006 season.

Bond has previously played for Warwickshire and is one of the quickest bowlers in the world whilst Marshall is a top order batsman who has established himself in the Kiwi Test and one-day international side.

Marshall, 26, has averaged 48.58 in nine Tests and 32.75 in 42 one-day Internationals while Bond, 30, has taken 56 wickets at 20.80 in 12 Tests and a further 67 at 18.34 in 67 ODIs.

Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne 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.”

Shane Bond 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,”

Hamish Marshall said: “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.”

Gloucestershire are still in discussion with the NZCB to confirm the start date of the players.

Both players will be on tour in South Africa until May 10 2006 and are expected to join the county soon after.