Vikram Rathour, Rangana Herath join New Zealand to help for upcoming Test series in Asia

Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and legendary Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath have recently joined the New Zealand side to help them prepare for the upcoming Tests as well. However, New Zealand will play against Afghanistan in a one-off Test from September 9 in Greater Noida, India and then they will take on Sri Lanka and India for five Tests as well.

Before a crucial Test season in Asia, New Zealand Cricket will get the services of Rathour and Herath to help them do well in the Asian conditions. Notably, Rathour, who was recently part of the Indian team as batting coach in Rahul Dravid's coaching tenure, will be with the team for the one-off Test against Afghanistan as well. On the other hand, Herath will be with the team till the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka as well.

“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group" - Gary Stead

The Test will begin on 18^th September. He has joined the team in place of former Pakistan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq. New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead shared his excitement about the joining of the two new members and said that they both will add their knowledge and skills to the team.

“We’re really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group. 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 Gary Stead in a media release.

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However, Stead also mentioned how Herath’s influence will help their left-arm spinners Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner in the Sri Lanka series as well.

New Zealand are placed at the third spot in the World Test Championship standings

“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,” he concluded.

Notably, New Zealand are currently placed at the third spot in the World Test Championship standings with three wins from six matches as well. The upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka and India are extremely important for the New Zealand team to move up in the points table as well.