“Our tail is a little bit exposed and that’s why I have asked Lance to come in for the next few days”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener will work with the Proteas’ lower order batsmen in the lead-up to the first Test against England on Boxing Day.

Klusener, who is currently the head coach of KwaZulu-Natal, will share his experience with the national team’s tail-enders and his knowledge of the conditions in Durban, which is where the first Test will be held.

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

“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 head into the series on a low as they were defeated 3-0 on their recent tour of India. However, Domingo is confident that his side will turn their fortunes around against England if they get the basics right.

“I’ve always thought that when sides are under pressure and possibly not playing well you need to do the basics well,” he said. “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.”