Sri Lanka appoint Neil McKenzie as consultant for South Africa Test series

Sri Lanka have brought in former South African batter Neil McKenzie as a consultant coach for their upcoming two-Test series against South Africa, starting later this month. McKenzie, who enjoyed a successful career with South Africa, will join the Sri Lankan team between November 13 and 21, ahead of the first Test in Durban.

The 48-year-old played 58 Tests for South Africa from 2000 to 2009, scoring over 3,250 runs. He is also known for being part of the record-breaking opening partnership of 415 runs with Graeme Smith against Bangladesh in 2008. McKenzie has vast experience in both international and first-class cricket, with nearly 20,000 runs in domestic cricket.

Ashley De Silva, the CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, expressed confidence in McKenzie’s ability to help the team adapt to the tough South African conditions. "McKenzie will bring in vital, in-depth insights about the South African conditions to help Sri Lankan players adapt to the challenge," De Silva said.

Since retiring from international cricket, McKenzie has worked in coaching roles. He served as South Africa’s batting consultant during the ICC World Test Championship series against the West Indies last year and was a batting coach for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL earlier this year.

Sri Lanka is hoping McKenzie’s expertise will help them in their final away Test series of the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa are in the running for a spot in next year’s WTC Final. The first Test between the two teams is scheduled for November 27 at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second Test at St. George’s Oval in Port Elizabeth.