Auckland, March 23 : Former Blackcap Dean Brownlie has been added to New Zealand men’s team coaching staff for the upcoming Netherlands series. Brownlie, who played 35 internationals including 16 Tests, will step into the role of batting coach in place of Luke Ronchi, who is currently on secondment to the Auckland Aces for the remainder of the Plunket Shield. The Netherlands’ tour of New Zealand will kick start with a one-off T20I on March 25. The teams will then play three ODIs between March 29 – April 4. Head coach Gary Stead said he was looking forward to welcoming Brownlie back into the Blackcaps. “Dean was a fine player in his own right and it’s great to see him now progressing as a coach. I know he’s been working really hard in the ND coaching system and gaining a wide range of experiences which are essential to development,” Stead said. “His skills and knowledge of the game will certainly add to our group and I’m sure he’ll also get plenty out of his time with us. This is a good opport ty to grow our coaching depth in New Zealand, while also being mindful of the major associations who are at the business end of the Plunket Shield season.”