New Zealand has arrived in India for a one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida. After this the BlackCaps will travel to Sri Lanka for a two-match series. To prepare for the Asian conditions, the Black Caps have hired the services of Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath and former India batter, coach Vikram Rathour.

The first-ever Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand will be played at the Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground from September 9 to September 13. Then New Zealand will travel to Sri Lanka for two Tests starting on September 18 and September 26, both of which will be played in Galle.

Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour have linked up with the New Zealand Test squad. Herath will be with the Black Caps spin-bowling coach for the next three Tests - one against Afghanistan and two in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Vikram Rathour will only be with the squad for the one-off Afghanistan Test.  

"Sri Lankan spin maestro Rangana Herath has been appointed as spin-bowling coach for the three upcoming Tests in Asia, replacing former Pakistan spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq who was originally announced to fill the temporary role before pulling out to take up a position with the Pakistan Cricket Board," New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.

Head coach Gary Stead said, "We're really excited to introduce Rangana and Vikram into our Test group. Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket, and I know our players are looking forward to learning from them.

Stead thought that Herath's experience as a left-arm spinner would benefit Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, and Ajaz Patel of New Zealand.

"For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz, Mitch, and Rachin having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the sub-continent will be hugely beneficial," he said.

After the Sri Lanka tour in the second half of this month, the New Zealand side will return to India for three Tests in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.

(ANI inputs)