Vikram Rathour Joins New Zealand Support Staff for Test

Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, will be part of the New Zealand support staff for their upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida. New Zealand also announced that Rangana Herath will be their spin bowling coach for the Afghanistan Test as well as their subsequent two-Test series against Sri Lanka.

Rathour was part of the Rahul Dravid-led coaching staff whose tenure ended with India’s T20 World Cup victory. He had played six Tests for India in the 1990s before becoming a national selector. Herath, the most successful left-arm spinner, has replaced Saqlain Mushtaq who was supposed to take charge of the temporary spin coach role before pulling out to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. “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 in the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial,” added Stead. “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.”

New Zealand’s one-off Test against Afghanistan begins on September 9. The first Test against Sri Lanka starts on September 18 while the second Test will be played from September 30. Both Tests are part of the World Test Championship in which New Zealand are currently ranked third.

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