Ahead of the Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and legendary Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath were added to New Zealand’s coaching team on Friday. 

Before traveling to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, New Zealand will play a one-off Test match against Afghanistan.

From September 9 to September 13, the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground will host the one-off Test match versus the Afghans.

In October and November, the Kiwis are scheduled to meet India in a three-Test series.

Herath has been named as New Zealand’s spin bowling coach for the Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, while Rathour will be with the Kiwis in the match against Afghanistan, as per PTI.

Under head coach Rahul Dravid, Rathour enjoyed a prosperous tenure as the batting coach for India. The T20 World Cup victory by India in June of this year marked the end of his term.

New Zealand Cricket made the announcement of Rathour and Herath’s inclusion on their website.

“Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath has been appointed as spin-bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia, replacing former Pakistan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq who was originally announced to fill the temporary role before pulling out to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Head coach Gary Stead said, “We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group.”

“Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them.”

Stead thought that Herath’s experience as a left-arm spinner would benefit Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Ajaz Patel of New Zealand.

“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial,” he said.

Source: Times of India
--Agencies