South Africa have appointed former all-rounder Lance Klusener as their assistant batting coach for the upcoming T20I series against India.
Apart from Klusener, former pacer Vincent Barnes has also been named as the new assistant bowling coach, while Justin Ontong has retained his position as the fielding coach to work with the interim team coach Enoch Nkwe.
"In terms of the new team structure, the Team Director appoints his three assistant coaches who have specific skills focussed on the three key disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding," CSA Acting Director, Corrie van Zyl, said in a statement.
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"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."
Klusener, considered as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation, began his coaching career with a local side Hollywoodbets Dolphins from 2012-2016 before starting his tenure as the batting coach for the Zimbabwe national team.
CSA name Lance Klusener (batting), Justin Ontong (fielding) and Vincent Barnes (bowling) as Enoch Nkwe's support staff ahead of the Proteas men's India tour next month.#CSAnews #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/nVoM82GZRR
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 22, 2019
Ahead of the Euro T20 Slam, Klusener was roped in as the head coach of Glasgow Giants. The tournament, however, was cancelled.
"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," van Zyl said.
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Barnes, on the other hand, initially worked as a bowling coach with the Proteas before being named as the assistant coach between 2003 and 2011. Ontong, on his part, has played every format for South Africa and worked as their fielding coach under the former head coach, Ottis Gibson.
"Justin Ontong will fill the role of assistant coach (fielding). He has built up a strong relationship with the players over the last two years and is an acknowledged expert in this department," the statement said.
South Africa’s three-match T20I series against India begins from September 15 to 22. The two teams will then lock horns in a three-match Test series.
Browser title courtesy: AFP / Anna Zieminski
