Jacques Kallis To Join England Support Staff As Batting Consultant For Sri Lanka Tour

Former South African ace all-rounder Jacques Kallis will join England’s set-up as their batting consultant ahead of their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Jacques Kallis was in a similar role with South African cricket too until Neil Mckenzie took his spot. England’s brief tour of Sri Lanka begins with the first Test in Galle on the 2nd of January.

As per reports, Jacques Kallis engaged in a conversation with England Cricket Board (ECB), who want to fill the vacancies for the spot of batting coach, pace, and spin-bowling coach. The board has decided to start a rotation policy for their coaches too apart from their players to reduce the stress that comes from being restricted to the bio-secure bubbles.

Graham Thorpe, who is the deputy to head coach, Chris Silverwood, will not travel to Sri Lanka. Thorpe will join the squad for the long tour of India in February that consists of four Tests, five T20Is, and three ODIs. It remains uncertain whether the ECB will extend Kallis’ appointment till that particular series. Notably, the retired cricketer averages 55.62 in the Tests in sub-continent alongside eight tons.

Jacques Kallis joins Jon Lewis, James Foster, and Jeetan Patel in the support staff:

Kallis, who retired from international cricket in 2013, will join England’s support staff that has Jon Lewis, James Foster, and Jeetan Patel alongside head coach Chris Silverwood. Jon Lewis is the side’s bowling coach, James Foster is the wicket-keeping consultant while Jeetan Patel mentors the spin-bowlers.

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