Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has joined the New Zealand support staff for their upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida, announced New Zealand Cricket on Friday morning. Rathour was part of India’s T20 World Cup-winning coaching team and is expected to bring in his local expertise to help the Blackcaps batters. The one-off Test will be played from the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9 to 13, after which New Zealand travel to Sri Lanka to play a two-Test series.
Vikram Rathour Takes Over As The New Batting Coach For NZ
Though New Zealand Cricket have mentioned that Rathour’s role is only for the Afghanistan Test, he is expected to continue with the team in their three-Test series against India starting on October 16.
Rathour played six Tests for India in the late 90s and was a national selector from 2012 onwards. Until recently he had been leading India’s batting lineup under head coach Rahul Dravid through to the end of the T20 World Cup in June. The other appointment made is that of Rangana Herath, the Sri Lankan spin legend, as spin-bowling coach for the upcoming series in Asia, replacing Saqlain Mushtaq. Herath, the most prolific left-arm orthodox spinner in Test history, will remain with New Zealand through their two ICC World Test Championship matches in Sri Lanka later this month.
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Gary Stead Welcomes Rathour And Herath
“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, Mitch and Rachin, 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.”
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead noted that both Herath and Rathour are expected to provide valuable new insights and a deeper understanding of local conditions to the team.
Afghanistan Vs New Zealand Test
The upcoming Test match will mark the return for Afghanistan to playing their ‘home’ games in India, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India has approved the usage of Indian venues for Afghanistan’s games. Despite being under tight Taliban rule, Afghanistan has continued to feature in international cricket and reached the semifinals of this year’s T20 World Cup held in the USA and West Indies.
No Rashid Khan In Afghanistan Squad
With the one-off Test match starting on September 9, it should be mentioned that star all-rounder Rashid Khan will not take part in the match because of a back injury. Rashid sustained the injury while playing for Speen Ghar Tigers during Afghanistan’s domestic T20 tournament, the Shpageeza Cricket League.
New Zealand Cricket Team Arrive In India
The New Zealand cricket team landed at the Delhi Airport on Thursday, September 5, to play Test match against Afghanistan. The Kiwis will be facing Afghanistan at the Greater Noida Sports Complex.
Welcome @BlackCaps
Video: The New Zealand team has arrived at the hotel in Greater Noida, India, for the one-off Test match against Afghanistan’s national team.#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvNZ | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/UlQApG5UXP
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) September 5, 2024
According to a report by ANI, New Zealand Test captain Tim Southee, key batter Kane Williamson, vice-captain Tom Latham, and other squad members were spotted at Indira Gandhi International Airport.
