|| CF DESK ||

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has appointed Rangana Herath as the spin-bowling coach for the upcoming red-ball outings against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka in September.

Herath will replace Pakistan's Saqlain Mushtaq for the role before the Kiwis take on Afghanistan in the one-off Test in Greater Noida and a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle. 

The BlackCaps also recruited former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour. He was part of India coaching staff in the T20 World Cup victory. 

"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," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.

"For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch and Rachin, having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests in 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 added.

New Zealand's one-off Test against Afghanistan begins on September 9.

The first Test against Sri Lanka starts on September 18 while the second Test will be played from September 30. Both Tests are part of the World Test Championship in which New Zealand are currently ranked third.