In preparation for a challenging two-month tour of Asia, New Zealand has roped in renowned cricket figures Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour to support their Test squad. With a series of six Test matches lined up across Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India, Herath will serve as the spin-bowling coach, while Rathour will provide batting expertise. Their appointments come at a critical time for the Blackcaps, who will need to adapt to the subcontinental conditions, known for spin-friendly tracks.
Herath’s Role as Spin-Bowling Coach
Rangana Herath, one of the most successful spinners in Test cricket with 433 wickets from 93 matches, will take charge of New Zealand’s spin department for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka series. His experience, especially on Asian pitches, is expected to be invaluable for New Zealand’s spinners, including Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra.
Herath’s knowledge of Galle, a venue where he claimed over 100 wickets, will be particularly beneficial, as New Zealand will play two Tests against Sri Lanka at this iconic ground. New Zealand’s coach, Gary Stead, emphasized Herath’s contribution, stating, “Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle, and his knowledge of the venue will be priceless. Our three left-arm orthodox spinners will gain immensely from his guidance.”
Herath’s appointment is a continuation of his recent coaching career, having previously worked with the Bangladesh team as a spin-bowling coach. His tactical acumen and deep understanding of the nuances of spin bowling in subcontinental conditions make him the perfect mentor for the New Zealand spinners.
Rathour’s Short Stint with New Zealand
Vikram Rathour, India’s former batting coach, will join New Zealand for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting on September 9 in Greater Noida, India. Rathour’s experience as a player and coach in India gives him a deep understanding of the challenges New Zealand’s batters will face in the subcontinent.
While Rathour will only be available for the Afghanistan Test, his brief role is seen as crucial in helping the New Zealand batters adjust to the conditions in Asia. Rathour’s previous stint with India saw the team achieve significant success in Test cricket, including a historic series win in Australia.
“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,” said Stead. Rathour’s focus during his time with the squad will be on helping New Zealand’s batters handle spin and seam on turning tracks, a skill that will be critical for the upcoming series.
Six-Test Schedule in Asia
New Zealand’s Asian tour begins with a one-off Test against Afghanistan in India, followed by two Tests against Sri Lanka in Galle. After a short break, they will head to India for a three-Test series, with matches scheduled in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. These Tests will pose a significant challenge for New Zealand, as the subcontinental conditions are vastly different from the seamer-friendly tracks they are accustomed to at home.
Notably, only the Afghanistan Test will be played outside the World Test Championship (WTC), while the five remaining matches against Sri Lanka and India will count towards the WTC standings.
Strengthening Spin Options
New Zealand’s squad for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Tests includes Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra as the main spin-bowling options. Additionally, offspinners Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips will offer further depth to the spin attack.
Ajaz Patel, famous for his 10-wicket haul in an innings against India in Mumbai in 2021, will be looking to utilize Herath’s insights to continue his impressive form on Asian pitches. Meanwhile, Santner and Ravindra, both versatile all-rounders, will benefit from the experience and expertise of a coach who mastered the art of left-arm spin on similar wickets.
Herath’s appointment, replacing former spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq, is expected to have an immediate impact, especially considering New Zealand’s upcoming battles against teams well-versed in exploiting home conditions.
Rathour’s Coaching Pedigree
Rathour’s coaching resume is equally impressive. Having played six Tests and seven ODIs for India, he transitioned into coaching, serving as India’s batting coach from 2019 until 2023. During his tenure, Rathour helped India build a formidable batting unit, guiding players such as Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant to success in red-ball cricket.
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