Lance Klusener appointed assistant batting coach for T20 series vs India

Lance Klusener, considered to be one of the best all-rounders South Africa has ever produced, has been appointed as the assistant batting coach for the three-match Twenty20 series against India which begins on September 15. 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. 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," CSA Acting Director, Corrie van Zyl, said in a statement.

Klusener has had prior coaching experience. 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 this year, he was appointed as the head coach of the Glasgow Giants for the cancelled 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," van Zyl said.

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. Ontong, who has represented the national side in all three formats, also served as South Africa's fielding coach under Ottis Gibson before the restructuring. "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.

Klusener, considered one of the best all-rounders of his generation, has collected 1906 runs and 80 wickets in Tests, as well as 3576 runs and 192 wickets in ODIs. outh Africa will travel to India for a three-match T20 series starting September 15. The two sides will then compete in a three-match Test series. 

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HIGHLIGHTS

• South Africa will play three T20Is and three Tests in India.
• Lance Klusener has scored 3576 runs and 192 wickets in ODIs.
• Klusener was appointed as batting coach for the Zimbabwe national team.