Klusener appointed as Proteas assistant batting coach against India
Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener has been appointed as the assistant batting coach of the present Proteas side for three T20Is against India next month. Klusener will be hoping to bring all his experience and help out the side in a crunch series. South Africa also appointed an assistant bowling coach, whereas, Justin Ontong will retain his position as the assistant fielding coach.
Former pacer Vincent Barnes has been appointed as the new assistant bowling coach. Justin Ontong will retain his position as the assistant fielding coach. "In terms of the new team structure, the Team Director appoints his three assistant coaches who have specific skills focus on the three key disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding," CSA Acting Director, Corrie van Zyl, said in a statement.
Klusener will assist the side just for the T20Is and not the subsequent three-match Test series. "Former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener will fill the role of assistant coach (batting) for the T20 Series only as he is currently not available for all formats," added CSA.
Klusener was one of the most celebrated cricketers of South Africa. He featured in 49 Tests for South Africa and scored 1,906 runs at 32.86. He hit four tons and eight fifties. He also chipped in with 80 wickets. In 171 ODIs, Klusener amassed 3,576 runs at 41.1. He also picked up 192 wickets with a best of 6/49.
Klusener has decent coaching experience and started his career with domestic side Hollywoodbets Dolphins from 2012-2016. He was then appointed as a batting coach for the Zimbabwe national team. The all-rounder coached Lyca Kovai Kings in India. In July 2019, he was appointed as the head coach of the Glasgow Giants for the canceled inaugural edition of the Euro T20 Slam cricket tournament.
"His record as one of the best all-rounders in the world, particularly in white-ball cricket, during his playing career, speaks for itself and he also has extensive coaching experience both at franchise and international level," Corrie van Zyl said.
South Africa will be needing an assistant batting coach for the three-match Test series against India. Cricket South Africa is on the hunt for someone who has knowledge about the conditions. "Team director Enoch is targeting a batting coach who has extensive knowledge of Indian conditions for the Test series and we will be in a position to announce this successful candidate shortly."
India and South Africa gear up for three T20Is starting from September 15. The next two matches are on September 18 and 22 respectively. The two teams face each other in three Test matches from October 2 onwards.
