Rangana Herath, Vikram Rathour join New Zealand Test squad for Asian challenge

Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour have joined the New Zealand Test squad that is set to play six Tests in Asia in the next two months. Herath will be the spin-bowling coach for New Zealand’s next three Tests – one against Afghanistan and two in Sri Lanka – while Rathour will be with the team only for the one-off Test in Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India from September 9. Both men are highly regarded in the cricketing world and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “Especially for our three left-arm orthodox spinners Ajaz [Patel]Mitch [Santner] and Rachin [Ravindra]the opportunity to work with Rangana in the three Tests on the subcontinent will be hugely beneficial.” Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle, the venue for our two Tests against Sri Lanka, so his knowledge of the venue will be invaluable “After touring Sri Lanka in the second in the middle of this month, the New Zealand side will return to India for three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai. Of these six Tests, only the one against Afghanistan will not count towards the World Test Championship (WTC). Apart from Ajaz, Santner and Ravindra, New Zealand will also have offbreak spin options in Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests. They haven’t announced the squad for the Indian Tests yet. Herath, with 433 Test wickets from 93 matches, replaces former Pakistan offspinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who is now among five mentors named by the PCB to uplift their domestic cricket. Until recently, Herath was the spin-bowling coach for the Bangladesh side. Rathour, who played six Tests for India, was most recently India’s batting coach. His contract ended when India lifted the T20 World Cup in Barbados in June and he was also the national selector in 2012.
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