Lance Klusener to instruct South Africa’s lower order ahead of England series

South Africa recruit services of former international Lance Klusener
Preparing to host England in the Boxing Day Test in Durban
Klusener played 49 Tests and 171 ODIs for South Africa
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Published:
19:09 GMT, 22 December 2015

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Updated:
19:34 GMT, 22 December 2015

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South Africa have recruited the services of former international Lance Klusener as they prepare for the Boxing Day Test against England in Durban.

The all-rounder played 49 Tests and 171 one-day internationals for the Proteas between 1996 and 2004 and has since gone on to become coach of KwaZulu-Natal, who play their domestic games at Kingsmead.

And South Africa coach Russell Domingo is hoping that Klusener’s experience and local knowledge will help his lower-order batsmen when the Test series gets under way on Saturday.

South Africa have recruited the services of former international Lance Klusener ahead of England series

Klusener (left) bowling out Michael Vaughan during South Africa’s Test series with England in January 2000

‘We see our lower order as being potentially an area that we need to work on,’ he said. ‘Our batters eight, nine and 10, I don’t think we are blessed with the all-rounders of the past like Klusener, Pollock or Nicky Boje. Our tail is a little bit exposed and that’s why I have asked Lance to come in for the next few days.

‘His particular role will be to work with the lower order batters as a guy who has batted in those positions at international level. He can pass some of his ideas to the lower order and also give them a sense of purpose and a sense of direction, their contributions with the bat this series are going to be important.’

South Africa, the top-ranked Test nation in the world, come into the series against England on the back of a poor showing in the 3-0 series defeat to India and Domingo believes getting the basics right will be key if they are to get back on track.

‘I’ve always thought that when sides are under pressure and possibly not playing well you need to do the basics well,’ he said. ‘To go back and to try and keep it as simple as possible.

Klusener in action in training for South Africa ahead of the 2003 Cricket World Cup

‘Focus hard on the things we have done well in the past and try to do those things really well. It’s about trying to simplify our game plans and strategies as much as possible.

‘We have a Test team that is trying to find their style of play, a new captain that is still establishing himself. This is another opportunity for us to establish that style of play and make sure we go out and do those basics well.’