Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath has joined the New Zealand Test team as spin-bowling coach, while former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has been added to their support staff as well.
Rathour has joined New Zealand for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, as they look to gain experience of Indian conditions, with the game set to be held in Noida. The New Zealand team reached India earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Herath has been added to the New Zealand support staff for the Afghanistan Test, as well as the Sri Lanka Tests that follow, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq who was originally supposed to fill the role, before taking up a job with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
In a press release by New Zealand Cricket, head coach Gary Stead said: “We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group".
"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.
🗣️ "I'm mildly surprised that he's taken it [the job], but it's a good thing that he has."@Phil_Wisden and @Yas_Wisden react to Brendon McCullum's appointment as England men's new white-ball head coach, alongside his role with the Test side.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 5, 2024
Do you agree with the decision? 🏴 pic.twitter.com/tGeQlKSCd9
"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.”
Rathour was part of the Indian team as batting coach from 2019 to 2024, including their triumphant T20 World Cup win this year. Earlier in the week, reports suggested that Rathour would follow Rahul Dravid in the Rajasthan Royals support staff, where Dravid is set to assume the position of head coach.
New Zealand's one-off Test against Afghanistan begins on Monday, September 9th.
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