Seattle Orcas welcome former New Zealand pacer and one of the fastest bowlers to have played the game, Shane Bond as the club’s new bowling coach for Major League Cricket Season Two!

With former bowling coach Johan Botha taking up the Head Coach role at Queensland Cricket, he was no longer available during MLC Season 2. Pace ace Shane Bond was happy to be part of Seattle Orcas, and with his pedigree, there could be no better fit than the former Kiwi speedster.

With an experience of 120 international games including 18 Tests, 82 ODIs and 20 T20Is, Bond featured at the top level from 2001 to 2010. He was feared by a lot of batters around the world due to his threatening pace which helped him take 259 wickets in the internationals in which he featured.

Shane Bond started his coaching career as a bowling coach with the New Zealand cricket team in October 2012 and continued until the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup where the Kiwis finished runners-up. He was widely credited with shaping Trent Boult and Tim Southee to become the legendary bowlers they are. He has also been the bowling coach of the Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals franchises in the Indian Premier League. Bond also was the assistant coach for the Brisbane Heat in Big Bash League 2015, working with fellow Kiwi Daniel Vettori. In March 2018, he was appointed as head coach for Sydney Thunder.

On his new role with the Seattle Orcas, Bond said, “I’m excited to be a part of Major League Cricket and the Seattle Orcas. I’m looking forward to working with all the staff and players, especially the domestic players. The United States is a fantastic destination and to be able to be a part of a tournament that’s only going to get bigger and better is fantastic.”

“Shane's a fantastic addition to the Seattle Orcas coaching team", said Sanjay Parthasarathy, operating partner and co-owner of the Seattle Orcas. "Shane's experience as a fast bowler, plus his recent coaching experience in the IPL will be an asset to our players and the coaching staff. I want to thank Johan Botha for setting a really high bar last year, and wish him the best as the head coach for Queensland and the Brisbane Heat," said Sanjay Parthasarathy, Owner of the Seattle Orcas.

Our young and hungry bowling side is looking forward to being guided by our cool yet experienced bowling coach and it will be safe to say our group is in extremely good hands during MLC 2024!

Thank You, Johan Botha, for everything you have done for Seattle Orcas and its fans. Wishing you well in your new role. Welcome Shane Bond to Seattle Orcas.