India’s former batting coach Vikram Rathour and Sri Lanka’s legendary left-arm orthodox Rangana Herath have been included in New Zealand’s support staff ahead of their tests against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Rathour will be a part of the side for the one-off tests against Afghanistan, while Herath will be associated with their setup for the Sri Lanka series as well.
Rathour was a member of the coaching team under Rahul Dravid, whose term came to an end with India winning the T20 World Cup. Prior to joining the national selectorate, he had participated in six Test matches for India throughout the 1990s. The most successful left-arm spinner, Herath, has taken over for Saqlain Mushtaq, who was set to assume the role of temporary spin coach but withdrew to accept a job with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. “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 in the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial,” added Stead. “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.”
Both Rathour and Herath have long-standing experience with subcontinental conditions. Rathour has been with the India side for the last several years, while Hearth, arguably the best ever for Sri Lanka has tons and tons of experience of such conditions.
On September 9, New Zealand will play its one-off Test match against Afghanistan. September 18 marks the start of the first Test match against Sri Lanka, while the second match begins on September 30. New Zealand is currently placed third in the World Test Championship, which includes both the series.
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