Klusener to join South Africa’s coaching staff for T20s against India

JOHANNESBURG: Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener was on Friday appointed assistant batting coach of the national team for the threematch T20 series against India in September.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) also announced that former pacer Vincent Barnes will serve as the assistant bowling coach. While Justin Ontong will retain his position as the assistant fielding coach in Enoch Nkwe’s Proteas management.

“In terms of the new team structure the Team Director appoints his three assistant coaches who have specific skills focus in the three key disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding,” CSA Acting Director, Corrie van Zyl, said in a statement.

“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 one of the best all-rounders of his generation, has 1906 runs and 80 wickets in Tests, as well as 3576 runs and 192 wickets in ODIs.

He took up coaching with domestic side Hollywoodbets Dolphins from 2012-2016 before being appointed as batting coach for the Zimbabwe national team.

In July, he was appointed head coach of the Glasgow Giants for the cancelled inaugural edition of the Euro T20 Slam.

“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.

Barnes has a long history with the Proteas, having served as the bowling and then assistant coach from 2003 until 2011.

“Vincent Barnes will be the assistant coach (bowling). His knowledge of playing conditions in India will make his contribution invaluable.”