Auckland: Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour and Sri Lankan great Rangana Herath joined the New Zealand coaching staff on Friday ahead of the Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand will play a one-off Test against Afghanistan and then travel to Sri Lanka for a two-Test series. The one-off Test against Afghanistan will be held at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9-13.

New Zealand are also scheduled to play a three-Test series against India in October and November.

While Herath has been appointed as New Zealand’s spin coach for the Test matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, Rathour will only be with the Kiwis for the match against Afghanistan.

Rathour enjoyed success as India’s batting coach under head coach Rahul Dravid, a tenure that ended after India won the T20 World Cup in June this year.

New Zealand Cricket announced the additions of Rathour and Herath on its website.

“Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath has been appointed as spin bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia, replacing former Pakistan spin bowler and coach Saqlain Mushtaq, who was originally supposed to take on an interim role but withdrew to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board,” New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Head coach Gary Stead said: “We are really excited to bring Rangana and Vikram into our Test squad. “Both men are held in high regard in the cricket world and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them.” Stead hoped Herath’s experience as a left-arm spinner would help New Zealanders Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra.

“For our three left-arm orthodox spinners, especially Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, getting an opportunity to work with Rangana in the three Tests in the subcontinent will be extremely beneficial,” he said. PTI DDV PM PM