Former Proteas batsman Neil McKenzie has agreed to become Cricket South Africa’s new batting consultant.

McKenzie, who last week retired from cricket after the Lions agreed to release him from his contract, is currently playing in the Masters Champions League in Dubai.

‘CSA wants me to work with the national team and travel with them when needed, which will include the T20 World Cup,’ McKenzie told the Sunday Times.

Coach Russell Domingo admitted after the Test series against England that they had approached several candidates for the role of batting coach over the last year, but that they were turned down.

Graeme Smith helped out prior to the Cape Town Test while Lance Klusener was asked to help with the tail-enders for the first Test in Durban.

‘I’ve played in the middle order when the ball is reverse swinging, I’ve opened in South Africa and Australia, as well as India and Bangladesh where it is good to bat up front.

‘I’ve played a lot away from home so I think I can identify with a lot of batsmen,’ McKenzie said.

‘I’m not a genius and I’m not going to try and change anyone. I’ve got to earn the different batters’ trust and respect. That is the toughest part about getting into coaching.’