New Zealand cricket has made some key additions to their support staff as they gear up for their one-off Test against Afghanistan in Noida.

Vikram Rathour, the former India batting coach, has been brought in to help New Zealand’s batsmen. Alongside him, Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka’s legendary left-arm spinner, will join as the spin bowling coach for the Afghanistan Test and the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

Rathour, who played six Tests for India in the 1990s and later served as a national selector, was part of India’s coaching team led by Rahul Dravid. He stepped down after India’s T20 World Cup victory, and now brings his expertise to New Zealand’s camp.

Herath, considered one of the most successful left-arm spinners in cricket, replaces Saqlain Mushtaq, who was originally set to take the role. Saqlain had to withdraw to join the Pakistan Cricket Board. Herath’s experience will be particularly valuable to New Zealand’s spin bowlers, especially with Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, and Rachin Ravindra in the squad.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed excitement about the new appointments, noting that both Rathour and Herath are highly respected in world cricket.

Stead emphasized how important Herath’s knowledge of subcontinent conditions will be, particularly for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka. Herath has taken over 100 wickets in Galle, the venue for both matches against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand’s one-off Test against Afghanistan is set to begin on September 9, followed by their first Test against Sri Lanka on September 18. These matches are crucial as part of the World Test Championship, where New Zealand currently holds the third spot.

Kane Williamson has opted out of a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) for the 2024-25 season in favor of participating in the SA20 tournament in January. Addressing reporters upon his return to New Zealand after the T20 World Cup, Williamson clarified that his decision was driven by NZC’s player availability rules rather than any indication of winding down his international career.

Under NZC rules, players must compete in the Super Smash if not engaged in international duty to be eligible for a central contract. Williamson’s commitment to playing in SA20 meant he had to forgo the contract for the upcoming season.

“While it meant turning down a central contract, my priority remains playing for New Zealand,” Williamson explained. “I will miss only a handful of games over a brief period, so in terms of representing New Zealand, I am not missing much cricket.”

Williamson emphasized his dedication to the national team, confirming his availability for key upcoming series and tournaments, including the World Test Championship matches against Sri Lanka and India, a home series against England, and an ODI tour to Pakistan preceding the Champions Trophy in February.

Regarding the longevity of his international career, Williamson remained non-committal about specific future tournaments, despite discussions with NZC CEO Scott Weenink about potential involvement in the 2028 T20 World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

“I’m focused on the upcoming challenges, including significant events like the Test series in Australia in 2026-27,” Williamson commented, indicating his continued interest in major cricketing events.

The decision allows Williamson to explore exciting opportunities while reaffirming his commitment to representing New Zealand in international cricket.

New Zealand’s T20I squad faces a shakeup as wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway has been withdrawn from the final fixture due to an injury sustained during the second game. Conway’s thumb injury, incurred while keeping, has sidelined him from further participation, prompting his return home to Wellington for assessment by a hand specialist.

In Conway’s absence, Tim Seifert has been called in as his replacement. Seifert, who was initially sidelined with a torn abductor, has successfully cleared a fitness test in Hamilton, enabling him to rejoin the squad for the last T20I at Eden Park.

To bolster their bowling resources, fast bowler Jacob Duffy will also join the squad. His inclusion provides additional cover for the bowling group.

The team management remains vigilant regarding the fitness of Rachin Ravindra, who missed the second game due to a left knee injury. Ravindra’s availability for the final match on Sunday will be determined after further monitoring over the next 24 hours.

In anticipation of potential batting needs, New Zealand is poised to announce additional batting cover as a precautionary measure, with further details expected to be revealed later today.

New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has encountered another setback in his cricketing journey, with scans revealing a new stress fracture on his back. This unfortunate injury is set to sideline him for at least another year, adding to the challenges he has faced in recent times.

The stress fracture, located in the same area where Jamieson underwent surgery last year, comes as a significant blow to the 29-year-old cricketer. While he won’t require surgery this time, the recovery process is expected to be lengthy, keeping him away from the game for an extended period.

Expressing his gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time, Jamieson acknowledged the difficulties that come with injuries in a cricketer’s life. Despite the setback, he remains hopeful of returning to the field stronger and continuing his cricketing journey.

This setback marks another chapter in Jamieson’s frustrating battle with back issues over the past few years. Despite making a successful comeback post his previous injury, this latest setback will prevent him from participating in any cricketing action throughout the year 2024.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed his sympathy for Jamieson, highlighting the fast bowler’s determination to overcome obstacles and return to international cricket. Stead assured full support for Jamieson’s rehabilitation journey, emphasizing his unwavering resolve to continue representing New Zealand on the cricket field.