Sri Lanka great, former India coach join New Zealand coaching staff

Two big additions for New Zealand ahead of three Test matches in Asia later this month.

New Zealand have received a boost to their coaching stocks ahead of their upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan and ICC World Test Championship series against Sri Lanka.

Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath joins the Kiwis as bowling coach for all three matches, with the Test great who took 433 Test wickets replacing Saqlain Mushtaq after the ex-Pakistan bowler took up a role with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Ex-India batting coach Vikram Rathour - who played six Tests for his country and more recently was one of Rahul Dravid's loyal assistants during his reign as India coach - also joins New Zealand to provide some inside knowledge to the Kiwi players ahead of the Test against Afghanistan in Noida.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead was thrilled to have the experienced duo join his coaching setup.

“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group,” he 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 (Patel), Mitch (Santner) and Rachin (Ravindra), 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.”

The one-off Test against Afghanistan commences on Monday, with the two-Test series with Sri Lanka starting from 18 September. (ICC)

New Zealand Test squad: Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (vc), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Test schedule:

Only Test v Afghanistan, Noida, September 9-13
First Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, September 18-22
Second Test v Sri Lanka, Galle, September 26-30