Former Indian cricketer and batting coach Vikram Rathour has been added to the New Zealand squad for the upcoming Test series against Afghanistan. Additionally, Sri Lankan legend Rangana Herath has been brought in as the spin bowling coach for the one-off Test. The match will take place from September 9-13 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
In the late 1990s, Rathour featured in six Tests and seven ODIs for the Men in Blue and was an Indian selector before being appointed as a batting coach during Rahul Dravid’s time. His vast knowledge of Indian conditions is expected to aid Kiwi batsmen.
On the contrary, Herath is replacing Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq who had earlier been drafted in as a temporary spin bowling coach. However, he left too soon for PCB’s job.
Herath, who has 433 test wickets, is also known to be one of the finest left-arm spinners ever and he will be among the support staff that will travel to play two ICC World Test matches for New Zealand against his home country Sri Lanka.
“Our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them” – Gary Stead comments on the appointments of Vikram Rathour and Rangana Herath
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, was very happy when it was announced that Vikram Rathour and Rangana Herath had been included in the support staff team. In response to this news he said that the players are looking forward to learn from these two individuals who have a good reputation worldwide.
“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” Stead said (via New Zealand Cricket’s official website). “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.”
“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. Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle which is the venue of our two Tests against Sri Lanka and so his knowledge of that venue will be priceless,” he added.
The single Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan will start on September 9 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.
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