Gloucestershire recruit Kiwi duo

Bond would provide the club with a top quality spearhead

Gloucestershire have signed New Zealanders Shane Bond and Hamish Marshall for the 2006 season.

Bond is one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket but his international career has been interrupted by a series of back problems.

Batsman Marshall has scored over 1,000 runs in one-day internationals and has also played nine Tests.

"We hope their experience and ability will serve the county well," said Gloucestershire coach Mark Alleyne.

The club have strong connections with New Zealand cricket through former coach John Bracewell and batsman Craig Spearman and Marshall confirmed he had spoken to Bracewell before accepting their offer.

"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 part of," he said.

Gloucestershire are looking to bounce back next summer after being relegated in both the County Championship and one-day Totesport League.

Marshall is one of the rising stars of New Zealand cricket

And they will have a strong seam attack as Bond joins forces with new skipper Jon Lewis and Steve Kirby.

Bond had a brief spell with Warwickshire in 2002, but was unable to return as planned the following summer because of injury and is eager for another crack at county cricket.

"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, he commented.

Both players have international commitments at the start of the county season, but should be available from 10 May onwards.