Two highly respected coaches have been appointed to the New Zealand cricket team ahead of their next international matches, giving them a tactical advantage. The great Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath, who has amassed 433 Test wickets, has been named the new bowling coach for New Zealand. Saqlain Mushtaq, who moved on to a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board, is replaced by Herath.
Vikram Rathour, a former India batting coach best known for his time spent with Rahul Dravid’s teaching staff, would be joining Herath. The Kiwi team will benefit greatly from Rathour’s expertise, which includes his six Test matches for India, as they get ready for their one-off Test match against Afghanistan in Noida.
The head coach of New Zealand, Gary Stead, was excited about the newcomers. “We are ecstatic to have Vikram and Rangana join our Test setup. Both are well-known characters in cricket, and our side will benefit much from their experience, said Stead.
Herath’s addition is especially noteworthy for the spin department in New Zealand, which also has left-arm orthodox spinners Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, and Ajaz Patel. Critical insights are expected to be gained from Herath’s significant experience at Galle, the site of New Zealand’s two Test matches against Sri Lanka.
The Test schedule is as follows:
- Only Test vs Afghanistan: Noida, September 9-13
- First Test vs Sri Lanka: Galle, September 18-22
- Second Test vs Sri Lanka: Galle, September 26-30
New Zealand’s Test squad for the upcoming series includes Tim Southee (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vice-captain), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, and Will Young.