Former Proteas all-rounder and new Afghanistan head coach Lance Klusener has backed countryman Gary Kirsten to be named England’s new head coach.

England require a successor for the outgoing Trevor Bayliss, whose tenure ended with an Ashes series draw earlier this year. A new head coach is needed for tours of New Zealand and South Africa later this year.

‘What is he going to bring? Loads and loads of experience,’ Klusener told the BBC.

‘He brings winning, so that for me is vitally important. Can you lift England white-ball cricket much more? What they’ve done is fantastic but their challenge is in Test cricket.

‘Kirsten was a phenomenal Test cricketer himself, so he knows exactly what’s needed.’

The 51-year-old Kirsten won the 2011 World Cup with India and has worked with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League and Hobart Hurricanes in Australia’s Big Bash League.

He will coach the Western Fire in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s The Hundred next year. He has also agreed to coach the Durban Heat in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League this year.

‘Gary’s won the World Cup. He’s the right man for the job. He brings experience in coaching the big T20 leagues around the world. He’s one of those guys that when he does stand up and speak, people tend to listen, and he’s had that ability since I used to play with him.’

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