New Zealand has added two experienced coaches to its ranks ahead of their upcoming Test series in Asia. Former Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath has joined as spin bowling coach, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq who withdrew to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Herath, a veteran of over 100 Test wickets in Galle, will be a valuable asset for the Blackcaps, especially for their two Test matches against Sri Lanka in Galle. He will be involved in the three upcoming Test matches in Asia, starting with the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida from September 9 to 13.
Joining Herath is former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour, who will be part of the Blackcaps’ coaching staff for the Afghanistan Test. Rathour, a former Indian Test player himself, boasts a rich experience as a coach, most notably leading the Indian batting unit under Rahul Dravid. His expertise will be crucial for the Blackcaps, particularly in navigating the challenging conditions in Asia.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed his excitement about the additions, highlighting the wealth of knowledge and experience that Herath and Rathour bring to the team. He emphasized the benefits of having Herath’s guidance for the team’s left-arm orthodox spinners, Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra. Stead also underlined the importance of having Herath’s local knowledge of Galle, where the Blackcaps will play two crucial World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka later this month.
The addition of Herath and Rathour reflects New Zealand’s commitment to maximizing their chances of success in the upcoming Test series. Both coaches bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the Asian conditions, which will be invaluable for the Blackcaps in navigating the challenging pitches and unfamiliar environments.
