SA vs WI: South Africa Appoints Neil McKenzie As Batting Consultant For WI Tests; Kruger van Wyk Named Fielding Coach

Updated - 23 Feb 2023, 03:53 PM

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The batting consultant for South Africa’s forthcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, which begins February 28, will be Neil McKenzie. According to a press statement from Cricket South Africa, a full-time batting trainer will be hired at a later time.

The new head coach Shukri Conrad, who assumed the position earlier month, will supervise the former South Africa batter during the Test series. In addition, Charl Langeveldt will be stepping down from his job as bowling coach after this series in favour of the recently hired Piet Botha.

Throughout the course of a career spanning more than ten years, Botha made 118 first-class outings. After previously serving as the bowling coach of the Lions team from Johannesburg and as the head coach of the Warriors in the domestic circuit, he was most lately the head coach of South Western Districts. Also, he has provided bowling advice to the National Academy and the South Africa A team.

Kruger van Wyk Picked As South Africa Fielding Coach

Kruger van Wyk, a former New Zealand wicketkeeper and batter, has been hired by CSA to serve as the team’s full-time Test fielding coach. Before retiring in 2015, South African-born Van Wyk participated in nine Test matches for New Zealand.

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As performance analysts and physical therapists, respectively, Matthew Reuben and Sizwe Hadebe will join the technical team, and Runeshan Moodley has been appointed as the strength and conditioning coach.

“We would like to thank Neil for committing himself to the series while the permanent appointment is being finalised. He and Shukri have a good working relationship, having previously coached together at SA Under-19 level, and we look forward to them combining for the first series in what is a new era for the Test side,” Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said.

“I am pleased to have Piet join the support staff. He has extensive coaching experience and has guided several promising players through the domestic pathway to higher honours,” Conrad said.

“Having personally experienced what he has to offer as a coach during his time at the National Academy, I am looking forward to the opportunity of working closely with him at this level.”

Temba Bavuma has replaced Dean Elgar as captain of South Africa’s Test team, signalling a change in the team’s hierarchy. Before the teams go to Johannesburg for the second Test, the first match versus the West Indies will be played at Centurion.

South Africa Coaching Staff For The Test Series Against West Indies

Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Neil McKenzie (Batting Consultant), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security), Lucy Davey (Media Manager)

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