Cricket South Africa has hired former all-rounder Lance Klusener as one of three assistant coaches for the September and October tour of India.

Klusener was the head coach of the Brampton Wolves in the 2019 edition of the Global T20 Canada. He was due to work with the Glasgow Giants in the Euro T20 Slam later this month. The tournament, however, has been postponed. He also coached Zimbabwe and the Dolphins – and worked with the Proteas previously.

‘In terms of the new team structure the team director appoints his three assistant coaches who have specific skills focus in the three key disciplines of batting, bowling and fielding,’ said acting director of cricket Corrie van Zyl.

‘Klusener will fill the role of assistant coach [batting] for the T20I series only. His record as one of the best all-rounders in the world, particularly in white-ball cricket, during his playing career speaks for itself and he also has extensive coaching experience both at franchise and international level.

‘Vincent Barnes will be the assistant coach [bowling]. He also has extensive coaching experience at international level and his knowledge of playing conditions in India will make his contribution invaluable.

‘Justin Ontong will fill the role of assistant coach [fielding]. He has built up a strong relationship with the players over the last two years and is an acknowledged expert in this department.’

The Proteas and India will contest three T20Is and as many Tests. Lions head coach Enoch Nkwe will be the tourists’ team director, after the outgoing Ottis Gibson’s tenure was not extended.

‘Enoch is targeting a batting coach who has extensive knowledge of Indian conditions for the Test series and we will be in a position to announce this successful candidate shortly,’ added Van Zyl.

‘As previously announced, all the technical staff – performance analyst Prasanna Agoram, strength and conditioning coach Greg King and physiotherapist Craig Govender – have been retained.

‘Unfortunately, Craig has recently undergone knee surgery, so a temporary replacement will travel with the team to India.’

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