Vikram Rathour, Rangana Herath join New Zealand squad as support staff for Afghanistan series
Former Indian cricketer and batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined the New Zealand squad for the upcoming Test series against Afghanistan. The Blackcaps have also roped in Sri Lanka legend Rangana Herath as a spin bowling coach for the one-off Test in the subcontinent. The match is scheduled from September 9-13 in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Rathour, who played six Tests and seven ODIs for the Men in Blue in the late 1990s, was an Indian selector before taking up the batting coach's job during the Rahul Dravid era. He is expected to help out the Kiwi batters with his immense knowledge of Indian conditions.
Herath, on the other hand, replaces Pakistan legend Saqlain Mushtaq who was roped in to fill the temporary role of a spin bowling coach. However, he vacated the position prematurely to take up a job with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Herath, one of the best left-arm spinners of all time with 433 Test wickets, will also be part of the New Zealand support staff for two ICC World Test Championship matches against his native nation Sri Lanka.
"Our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them" - New Zealand coach Gary Stead on Vikram Rathour and Rangana Herath's appointment
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was delighted with the announcement of Vikram Rathour and Rangana Herath's addition to the support staff group.
Reacting to the news, he said that the players are looking forward to learning from the two individuals who are held in high regard across the world.
“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 one-off Test between New Zealand and Afghanistan will commence on September 9 at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.