The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) announced on Tuesday that former South African batsman Neil McKenzie has been appointed as a consultant coach for the Sri Lankan team ahead of their two-match Test series against South Africa. McKenzie, a 48-year-old ex-Proteas batsman renowned for his technical prowess and experience with South African conditions, will begin working with the Sri Lankan team on Wednesday for a short-term assignment spanning just over a week.
McKenzie’s impressive playing career includes a memorable 415-run partnership with Graeme Smith against Bangladesh in 2008—a record-breaking opening stand that remains the highest in Test history. This vast experience is expected to be invaluable for the Sri Lankan side as they look to prepare for the unfamiliar challenges of South African pitches.
Ashley de Silva, SLC’s Chief Executive, expressed confidence in McKenzie’s appointment: “McKenzie will bring in vital, in-depth insights about the South African conditions to help Sri Lankan players adapt to the challenge.” With the two-Test series set to commence on November 27, followed by the second match on December 5, McKenzie’s guidance is anticipated to be crucial for the visitors in acclimating to South African conditions, where pace and bounce can often be intimidating.
Injury Setback: Wanindu Hasaranga Out of ODI Series Against New Zealand
In a major blow to Sri Lanka’s limited-overs setup, star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand due to a left hamstring injury. Hasaranga, one of Sri Lanka’s key players and their top wicket-taker in T20s, sustained the injury during the second T20I against New Zealand in Dambulla, which concluded in a 1-1 series draw.
The injury-prone leg-spinner had previously injured the same hamstring during a home series against India in August, making this another setback in a string of recent health issues. Despite his injury, Hasaranga made a significant impact in the T20I series, finishing with six wickets across two games and earning the Player of the Series title. His four-wicket haul in the second T20I helped Sri Lanka bowl New Zealand out for a mere 108 runs, though the visitors ultimately won by five runs to level the series.
Reflecting on his latest injury, Hasaranga stated, “Finally, I can have a few weeks’ break after this match. I think it’s bad. I wanted to bowl my four overs to cut down their total. I can’t run, so I tried to maximize (while batting) but I got out.” His absence from the ODI series leaves a gap in Sri Lanka’s spin attack, but SLC has named Dushan Hemantha, who has represented the national side in five ODIs, as his replacement.
New Zealand’s Own Injury Concerns: Lockie Ferguson Ruled Out
The injury issues extend to New Zealand’s camp as well, with fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, known for his lethal pace and recent hat-trick in the second T20I, sidelined due to a calf injury.
Ferguson’s absence will be felt deeply by the Kiwi side, particularly given his game-changing abilities with the ball. The experienced Adam Milne, a seasoned international pacer, has been called up to replace Ferguson in the squad for the ODI series.
With both teams facing injury challenges and key players missing, the ODI series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand promises to be a test of bench strength and adaptability. The series kicks off shortly, and fans will be eager to see how both teams adjust in light of these changes.
