Former South African batter Neil McKenzie has been appointed because the advisor coach for the Sri Lankan cricket staff forward of their two-match Test sequence in opposition to South Africa ranging from November 27 onwards. The former right-handed batter shall be a part of the visiting staff between November 13 and 21, as confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket, forward of the primary Test in Durban. The sequence will characteristic two Tests and might be essential for each facet’s ICC World Test Championship last possibilities. Mckenzie, who performed 58 Test matches between 2000 and 2009, racked up over 3,253 runs for South Africa, with 5 centuries and 16 fifties. He additionally aggregated almost 20,000 runs in first-class cricket.
Famously, he’s one-half of the highest-ever opening partnership in Test historical past, sharing a 415-run stand with Graeme Smith in opposition to Bangladesh in 2008, as per ICC.
Speaking on his appointment, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket Ashley De Silva stated, “McKenzie will bring in vital, in-depth insights about the South African conditions to help Sri Lankan players adapt to the challenge.”
Since calling it quits from worldwide cricket in 2009, the 48-year-old has been a part of a number of dressing rooms as a coach.
Last yr, McKenzie was South Africa’s batting advisor for the ICC World Test Championship sequence in opposition to the West Indies. Earlier this yr, he was a part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore setup within the Indian Premier League as a batting coach.
Sri Lanka might be banking on the previous Proteas batter for priceless insights for what’s their last away Test sequence within the ongoing WTC cycle.
Placed third and fifth respectively within the factors desk, each Sri Lanka and South Africa are in competition for a spot in subsequent yr’s WTC Final.
The first Test match between the 2 nations is scheduled for November 27 at Kingsmead, after which the caravan shifts to St. George’s Oval in Port Elizabeth.
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