New Zealand’s Test squad has welcomed Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour to their coaching staff as they prepare for six upcoming Tests in Asia over the next two months. Herath will serve as the spin-bowling coach for the first three Tests—one against Afghanistan and two against Sri Lanka—while Rathour will join the squad specifically for the one-off Test against Afghanistan, starting on September 9 in Greater Noida, India.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed excitement about the duo’s involvement, noting that both Herath and Rathour are highly respected figures in the cricket world. He added that the players are eager to learn from their expertise.
Stead accentuated how valuable Herath's presence would be for New Zealand’s left-arm spinners—Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra—who will benefit from his extensive knowledge of subcontinental conditions. Herath’s experience, particularly at Galle where he has taken over 100 Test wickets, will be especially valuable for the two matches in Sri Lanka.
Following the Sri Lanka series, New Zealand will return to India for three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Of these six matches, only the Afghanistan Test will not count towards the World Test Championship.
In addition to Ajaz, Santner, and Ravindra, New Zealand’s spin options for the Afghanistan and Sri Lanka series include off-break bowlers Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips. The squad for the India series has not yet been announced.
Herath, who took 433 wickets in 93 Test matches, replaces former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who has recently taken up a mentor role with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Herath was previously Bangladesh’s spin-bowling coach. Rathour, who played six Tests for India and served as India’s batting coach until their T20 World Cup win in June, also brings valuable experience, having been a national selector in 2012.