New Delhi: The New Zealand cricket team is gearing up for the only Test they will be playing against Afghanistan at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9 to 13. In the build-up to the Test, the Kiwi coaching staff has received a major boost with the additions of stalwarts Vikram Rathour and Rangana Herath. Rathour, the former India batting coach, will coach the Kiwis for the Afghanistan Test, while Herath will extend to their subsequent two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
Rathour recently ended his tenure with India’s T20 World Cup victory, where he was a part of the Rahul Dravid-led Indian coaching staff. He repreesneted India in six Tests in the 1990s and became a national selector thereafter. Herath, a brilliant left-arm spinner, has been brought in as Saqlain Mushtaq’s replacement, who was first supposed to take charge as a temporary spin coach but pulled out to join the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“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,” Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach said.
Rangana Herath has been appointed as spin-bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia while former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined the BLACKCAPS for the one-off Test in Noida against Afghanistan. #AFGvNZ #SLvNZ https://t.co/faF2cFarMo
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 6, 2024
Rangana’s impact on NZ spinners
Heaping praise on Rangana’s spin wizardry, Stead reflected on his potential impact and benefit on the Kiwi spinners, particularly the left-arm orthodox spinners – Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. He further stated the fact that Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle, which is the venue of their two Tests against Sri Lanka, his knowledge of the venue will be utterly helpful.
New Zealand will face Sri Lanka from September 18 in the first Test and the second Test will be played from September 30, both of which are part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 in which New Zealand sit third and Sri Lanka are seventh.
New Zealand have got a major boost ahead of the one-off Test against Afghanistan as their coaching staff has been strengthened by two notable names, making them rock solid for the five-day game. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
