Former Hampshire and South Africa batsman Neil McKenzie has been appointed as the Proteas batting coach for their next three Twenty20 assignments.
South Africa have called on the 40-year-old’s experience for the T20 international series against England and Australia as well as next month’s World T20 in India.
McKenzie, who retired from first-class cricket last month with over 19,000 runs to his name, played 58 Tests, 64 one-day internationals and two Twenty20s for his country.
South Africa coach Russell Domingo said: “Neil McKenzie joins us, it’s great to have him on board. It’s been something that we have been trying to do for a long time.
“We have explored a few options and finally one guy has committed to us, we are ecstatic that Neil will be joining us. He has played a lot of Test, ODI and T20 cricket both locally and overseas.
“The main thing with Neil will be the relationship he develops with players, as a coach, that is the most important ingredient.”
Congratulations to former Hampshire batsman Neil McKenzie, who has been appointed @OfficialCSA Batting Coach! pic.twitter.com/qZzxGyBWNF
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) February 17, 2016
McKenzie enjoyed great success in the sprint format at domestic level, hitting 3,357 runs at an average of 33.57 in 155 matches.
He represented Hampshire between 2010 and 2013 and helped the Ageas Bowl outfit win the domestic T20 competition twice.
“It’s a tremendous honour to be aiding in the batting side of things,” he said. “It’s nice to be back in the set-up, I haven’t been here since 2009.
“It’s a good bunch of exciting players and I’m really keen to get started working with all the professionals and to hopefully try and make a difference for South Africa.”
Source: ECB