New Zealand cricket has greatly enhanced their coaching cadre. This they have included Sri Lanka legend, Rangana Herath, and former India coach, Vikram Rathour. These appointments are made when New Zealand is due to face important Tests. They will play them in a one off Test shortly. After that they will be featuring in two Tests against Sri Lanka.
Two Big Additions for New Zealand Ahead of Tests
New Zealand cricket has hired Rangana Herath for the post of bowling coach. Herath in fact is a legendary spinner who was able to get 433 wickets in Test cricket. He is an expert in spinning bowling under the Asian conditions. Herath will play the role that Saqlain Mushtaq played in the past however he started playing for the Pakistan Cricket Board.
New Zealand also decided to go with Vikram Rathour as their batting coach. Rathour has coaching experience of the Indian national cricket team particularly in the test series. He has useful information in an ability of batting on Asian wickets. These appointments hopefully will strengthen New Zealand’s forthcoming shows.
New Zealand Prepares for Asia Tests
Three match Test series is important for New Zealand’s chargron. They are important to them especially in terms of their position in the World Test Championship. Soon New Zealand is going to play a Test match with Afghanistan. Then they proceed to Sri Lanka for two more test matches in Galle. These matches will test the New Zealand’s ability to cope with Asian climate.
The New Zealand head coach Gary Stead speaks his thoughts soon. “We’ve got Rangana and Vikram and they are going to assist,” Stead added. These are words from Mike”Their expertise will greatly add to the preparation of the team.”
A Legendary Bowler Joins New Zealand
Rangana Herath is the icon of Sri Lanka cricket team when it comes to spin bowling. His ability to perform in subcontinent is well-known and it has been a great achievement since time immemorial. Herath has more than one hundred Test wickets to his name at Galle. New Zealand plays two Tests there where such skills of Herath will be of immense use to the team. He will advise the Kiwi bowlers in these conditions on these pitches.
Herath’s Expertise in Galle
This knowledge of Galle will definitely be an added advantage to new Zealand courtesy Herath. Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner along with Rachin Ravindra are some of the players who will be mentored by him. He has the ability to bowl spin on subcontinent pitches as evidenced in Herath’s talent. It will go a long way in assisting New Zealand’s spinners to perform better in Sri Lankan condition.
Strengthening the Batting Lineup
It adds a lot of strength to New Zealand’s batting department that Vikram Rathour has been appointed. This will be very essential for them especially because of his experience with the Indian team. He knows the subtleties of batting when it comes to playing on the Asian pitches, which are favourable to spinners. The Kiwi batsmen will be well advised and served by his brains and plans.
Rathour’s Knowledge of Asian Conditions
Rathour is right that his experience of playing on the Asian pitches is the point in his favor. He will lead the Kiwi’s batsmen against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka Cricket teams. His strategies will assist them to deal with the spin threat properly. As Stead said: “Vikram’s knowledge of Asian conditions is invaluable.”
Gary Stead Welcomes New Coaches
Gary Stead believes in the new coaches and has great expectations from them. He supposes that their participation will only add depth to New Zealand squad. “It’s great to have Rangana and Vikram in our team,” added Stead. “Bringing them on board will yield lasting value for our team.”
Benefits for New Zealand’s Spinners
Hopefully it gets translated into practice when NZ’s spinners get valuable inputs from Rangana Herath. Rachin Ravindra, Ajaz Patel as well as Mitchell Santner will stands to gain a lot. The incumbency of Herath has the exposure regarding Asian conditions which is vital for their achievements. From his coaching, their techniques and approaches towards the future Tests will be enhanced.
Upcoming Matches: A Crucial Test Series
Below are the schedule of the upcoming NZ’s matches which will matter a lot in their WTC points tally. The remaining Test matches are against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, four matches against Sri Lanka are crucial. These matches are going to test the flexibility as well as the readiness of New Zealand.
Test Schedule
- Only Test vs Afghanistan: Noida, September 9-13
- First Test vs Sri Lanka: Galle, September 18-22
- Second Test vs Sri Lanka: Galle, September 26-30
New Zealand’s Test Squad: A Balanced Team
New Zealand has both its senior players and the young generation in their team. The current captain of the side is Tim Southee, while the deputy is Tom Latham. It also consists of experienced players such as Kane Williamson in its squad list. Spring successes such as Rachin Ravindra increase the base.
Key Players in the Squad
- Tim Southee (c): A seasoned bowler and experienced captain.
- Tom Latham (vc): A reliable opener and vice-captain.
- Kane Williamson: One of the world’s top batsmen.
- Ajaz Patel: A talented left-arm spinner.
- Mitchell Santner: A versatile all-rounder.
- Rachin Ravindra: A promising young spinner.
The Impact of Herath and Rathour on New Zealand’s Performance
That means Herath and Rathour’s additions will help New Zealand. It is knowledge which will be invaluable to them, especially when working in Asia. The team will be in a better position come the Test matches prepared.
New Zealand’s Bowling Attack
By his presence in the New Zealand team, Herath will give their bowling department a huge boost. His knowledge on the spin friendly tracks such as the Galle track will be quite useful. He will assist to transform and improve spinners of New Zealand.
Strengthening New Zealand’s Batting Lineup
This hope has an interesting background from Rathour, as it will enhance New Zealand’s batting armoury. It is a plus for him to be part of the team since he has experience in the Indian team. The New Zealand’s batsmen will confront Asian conditions even better.
Challenges and Opportunities
The following Tests are both opportunities and threats as will be discussed below: New Zealand has no other choice but to start adjusting to the climate in the subcontinent. Both Herath and Rathour will be able to give them the kind of guidance they require.
Preparing for the Subcontinent Challenge
It is easier to bat in angular Adelaide and challenging to bat on the subcontinent spinning tracks in hot summer. Currently, New Zealand has prepared well with Herath’s advise or Rathour’s advise. In order to achieve this the team must work at its optimum level in order to deliver the results.
Opportunities for Young Players
Young players will stand to benefit a lot from close interaction with Herath and Rathour. That will teach them fundamental knowledge on how they could excel to the maximum.
Conclusion:
It can be definitely said that Herath and Rathour inclusion will add lots to New Zealand’s preparation. It will especially be useful to have their experience, especially because some of them never worked in Asian conditions. A overall New Zealand is ready to face the upcoming challenges.
FAQs
- Why did New Zealand add Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour to their coaching staff?
- In an effort to build up their readiness to face the Tests that lie ahead in Asia.
- What is Rangana Herath’s role in New Zealand’s coaching setup?
- He is a new bowling coach and he takes care of spin and also in the condition of Asian bowling.
- How will Vikram Rathour contribute to New Zealand’s team?
- He will brief the weekly on batting in Asian conditions and that will definitely assist the batsmen.
- What matches is New Zealand preparing for with these new coaches?
- To be specific, one-off Test against Afghanistan and two-match Test series against Sri Lanka later in the year.
- How will New Zealand’s spinners benefit from Herath’s coaching?
- ‘They will learn useful spins and plan of the subcontinent pitches.
