Herath and Rathour join BLACKCAPS in Noida

In Noida, Herath and Rathour join BLACKCAPS

A legendary Sri Lankan player with 433 Test wickets and some local Indian experience have been consulted by the BLACKCAPS as they get ready for Monday's special Test match against Afghanistan in Noida, close to Delhi.

For the three next Test matches in Asia, Sri Lankan spin expert Rangana Herath will serve as the spin-bowling coach. Saqlain Mushtaq, a former Pakistani spinner and coach, was initially supposed to take on the temporary role but withdrew to take a job with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The team will continue to play Herath, the most successful left-arm orthodox Test spinner in history, through to the two ICC World Test Championship matches that will take place in his native Sri Lanka later this month.
 

Vikram Rathour, a former Indian batting instructor, is playing for the BLACKCAPS in the one-off Test in Noida.

Prior to joining the national team as a selector in 2012, Rathour competed in six Test matches for India in the late 1990s. Most recently, he oversaw the potent Indian batting unit under head coach Rahul David.

Herath and Rathore, according to BLACKCAPS coach Gary Stead, would provide the team with fresh perspectives on the region in addition to their own experience.

He remarked, "We're really excited to welcome Vikram and Rangana into our Test group."

"In the cricket world, both men are highly esteemed, and I know our players are eager to have the chance to learn from them.

It will be quite helpful for our three left-arm orthodox spinners, Ajaz, Mitch, and Rachin, to have three Test matches on the subcontinent to practice alongside Rangana.

"Rangana's knowledge of the venue will be invaluable, as he has amassed over 100 Test wickets in Galle, the site of our two Test matches against Sri Lanka."

Monday marks the start of the one-off Test match versus Afghanistan in Noida.