Cricket: O'Donnell joins Black Cap coaches

Auckland cricket coach Mark O'Donnell will join the Black Caps support team as assistant coach for the home series against India.

O'Donnell, who has previously toured with the New Zealand coaching staff, will join coach Andy Moles, bowling coach Shane Jurgensen and the the squad before the first one-day international in Napier on March 3.

Moles said O'Donnell would make a significant contribution to the support team.

" With Mark and Shane on board we have an outstanding coaching team that will support the playing squad and help them perform at their very best."

Auckland Cricket chief executive Andrew Eade said although Auckland would be disappointed to lose O'Donnell for the final rounds of the State championship, "we recognise it is a wonderful opportunity for him".

A decision on O'Donnell's replacement at Auckland for the remainder of this season will be made later this week.

- NZPA