Bracewell eyes county return

New Zealand coach John Bracewell © Getty Images

New Zealand coach John Bracewell has hinted at a return to county cricket with Gloucestershire.

The 50-year-old masterminded success during his five years at Nevil Road before taking up a role with the Black Caps in 2003.

“There are a lot of options out there for coaches as well as players,” he said.

“I’m constantly in touch with them because I built up a lot of relationships. It’s something that is not out of the question.

“I want to return to county cricket because I really enjoyed the cricket played, the structure and the lifestyle.”

Uncertainty over their coach is the last thing the tourists need, with five of their players currently missing because of the Indian Premier League. They will also be without the influence of Stephen Fleming following his retirement.

Jamie How insists there is no ill feeling towards New Zealand’s IPL players - and has urged the rest of the squad to seize their chance to get noticed by the Twenty20 tournament’s organisers.

With captain Daniel Vettori currently in India, How will be skipper against the MCC at Arundel on Sunday when the Black Caps start preparations for their three-Test series against England.

Vice-captain Brendon McCullum is also playing in the IPL - he smashed 158 in his first match - along with Ross Taylor, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram.

Bracewell’s IPL players will return next week, with Mark Gillespie travelling home and Michael Mason staying in England.