New Zealand called up former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and legendary Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath to their coaching staff on last Friday ahead of two Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. A Test match against Afghanistan precedes a couple of Tests in Sri Lanka as New Zealand head to the sub-continent.
The one-off Afghanistan Test match will be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9 to September 13.In the months of October and November, the dashtable will host a three Test series between India and the Kiwis.
As it has been learnt Atherton will be with the Kiwis for their match against Afghanistan, so herass has been appointed New Zealand’s spin bowling department for the Test series against Afghanistan and Oklahoma. PTI adds that Rathour will be with the Kiwis in the match against Afghanistan.
Former Sri Lankan coach and congratulatory head coach of the year for Australia, Dravid, Over the years, he made great contributions to Indian cricket and particularly impressed Dravid as India’s batting coach under him. His tenure came to an end with India’s victory at the T20 World cup in June earlier this year.
On its website, New Zealand Cricket added Rathour, Herath.
“Sri Lankan spin bowling expert Rangana Herath has been appointed as a spin-bowling coach for the next three tests in Asia, instead of former Pakistan cricketer and coach Saqlain Mushthaq who was announced to take up the short-term role before withdrawing to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.”
Head Coach Gary Stead has said, We`re very pleased to be able to announce Rangana and Vikram joining the Test group.”
“They are both very well-respected people in cricket and I am sure our athletes are eager to be in touch with them and learn from them through wise teaching practice.”
Stead believed that the left-arm spinners experience of Herath will help out the likes of Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel of the New Zealand cricket team.
“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, it would be extremely helpful to them trying to take on Rangana on the sub continent for three Tests.”
