Former Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera will join New Zealand’s coaching staff for the upcoming Test series in his homeland.
Boasting an impressive playing record, Samaraweera scored 14 Test centuries in his 81-match career (two of which were made against New Zealand on the tour of Sri Lanka in 2009), ending with an average of 48.76 and a top score of 231 against Pakistan in Karachi.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2013, the 42-year-old has coached extensively around the world, including stints as the batting coach of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with his role as fielding coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2018 IPL.
Black Caps coach Gary Stead said Samaraweera would bring great experience and skills to the group.
“We’re delighted to welcome Thilan into our environment for the Test phase of the tour,” he said.
