Kiwi Bradburn gets Scotland job

Wellington: Former New Zealand international Grant Bradburn has been named as the new coach of Scotland.

The 47-year-old, who played seven Tests as an off-spinner, joins the Scotland set-up after coaching New Zealand`s A or national reserve side. Bradburn will be assisted by Craig Wright, who has also been put in charge of Cricket Scotland`s elite player development programme. Earlier this year, Wright and former England batsman Paul Collingwood helped steer Scotland to qualification for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Collingwood, who remains an active player as captain of county side Durham, was subsequently given a temporary coaching role with England ahead of this year`s World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. Bradburn coached New Zealand`s Northern Districts to first-class and one-day domestic titles during five years in charge He will take up his Scotland post on July and that will mean Wright will be the coach when the side play England in a one-day international on May 9, although Bradburn will attend that match in the north-east Scottish city of Aberdeen. "This is a fantastic opportunity to work with players and staff at Cricket Scotland and I am thrilled at the prospect of working with a nation trying so hard to build on recent success," Bradburn said in a statement issued Monday. "As a coach, this presents a great opportunity to add value, by driving continual improvement, building depth with healthy competition for Scottish representation. "The Scotland team have performed well by qualifying for the 2015 World Cup which will be played in New Zealand and Australia at venues that I am very familiar with. "With my appointment through to the end of 2017, I will focus sharply on continuing Scotland`s progress towards being a leading force in world cricket," the former Cook Islands coach added. Cricket Scotland director of cricket Andy Tennant added: "We are delighted that we have been able to attract a coach of Grant`s ability and pedigree to head up our national team programme. "He has an exceptional track record of producing international cricketers and is used to working in similar environments to the one he will find in Scotland."