New Zealand coach John Bracewell has hinted at a return to county cricket with Gloucestershire.

The 50-year-old masterminded success during his five years at Nevil Road before taking up a role with the Black Caps in 2003.

"There are a lot of options out there for coaches as well as players," he said.

"I'm constantly in touch with them because I built up a lot of relationships. It's something that is not out of the question.

"I want to return to county cricket because I really enjoyed the cricket played, the structure and the lifestyle."

Uncertainty over their coach is the last thing the tourists need, with five of their players currently missing because of the Indian Premier League. They will also be without the influence of Stephen Fleming following his retirement.

Jamie How insists there is no ill feeling towards New Zealand's IPL players - and has urged the rest of the squad to seize their chance to get noticed by the Twenty20 tournament's organisers.

With captain Daniel Vettori currently in India, How will be skipper against the MCC at Arundel on Sunday when the Black Caps start preparations for their three-Test series against England.

Vice-captain Brendon McCullum is also playing in the IPL - he smashed 158 in his first match - along with Ross Taylor, Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram.

Bracewell insists there is unity in his squad and How believes the money and exposure of the IPL is an incentive to perform.

"I think everyone wishes they will be in India at some point," he said. "It's like our coach says, our best players are over there and it is something to aim for. We're happy for the guys that are over there."

How's opposite number this weekend will be former New Zealand skipper Chris Cairns, with Nathan Astle also in the MCC line-up.

Bracewell admits being without key players could have a destabilising effect, but also argued that problems can arise from a number of scenarios tourists face.

"It's not ideal but it is the reality of the landscape we live in and it's a great opportunity," he said.

"It's the landscape of our salaries in New Zealand. For us, we see it as a glass half full rather than half empty - it brings us into line with rugby (salaries)."

Bracewell's IPL players will return next week, with Mark Gillespie travelling home and Michael Mason staying in England.

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