New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have included former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath in their coaching staff for the one-off Test against Afghanistan starting September 9.
Herath was called after former Pakistan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq opted out of the role to take up a temporary role with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Herath has most Test wickets (433) for a left-arm spinner in the history of the longest format.
On the other hand, Rathour was a vital cog in the wheel when Rahul Dravid was Indian team’s head coach. Rathour’s tenure ended with Dravid after Rohit Sharma-led India won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. Rathour has been approached for coaching role by the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises. Earlier, Sports Tak had reported that he was approached to head the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru as well.
Stead happy with Asian duo’s experience
New Zealand team head coach Gary Stead is happy to get the services of Herath and Rathore for the one-off Test.
“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” Stead said in a media release by NZC.
“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.”
This is the first time New Zealand and Afghanistan will play a Test match. Afghan star Rashid Khan and former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will not play the historic Test.
Will BlackCaps retain Herath?
It will be interesting see if Herath and Rathour retain their position. After the one-off Test, New Zealand will tour Sri Lanka for two-Test series. In October, they will fly back to India for the three-Test series.
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