Rangana Herath and Vikram Rathour have joined the New Zealand Test contingent as coach ahead of the Asia-bound teams' next bunch of Tests. The team will, in fact, play a total of six Tests over the next two months. Herath has been signed as the spin-bowling coach for the next three Tests - one against Afghanistan and two against Sri Lanka while Rathour will assist the team only during the Afghanistan Test, starting on September 9 in Greater Noida, India. Gary Stead (NZ coach) said: "Both men are held in high regard in the world of cricket and I know our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to learn from them." New Zealand will return to India following the Sri Lanka tour for three further Tests in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai. The only one of the six that won't count towards the WTC is the one against Afghanistan. He further added: "For our three left-arm orthodox spinners in particular, Ajaz [Patel], Mitch [Santner] and Rachin [Ravindra], having the chance to work with Rangana across three Tests on the subcontinent will be hugely beneficial. Rangana has taken over 100 Test wickets in Galle which is the venue of our two Tests against Sri Lanka and so his knowledge of that venue will be priceless." Spin options for New Zealand against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips. Squad to face India in Tests to be named later. Herath, who took 433 wickets in 93 Test matches, replaces former Pakistan bowler Saqlain Mushtaq. Herath was recently a spin coach for Bangladesh. Rathour, who played six Tests for India, was India's batting coach until their T20 World Cup win in June. He has also been a national selector in 2012 Also Read | Upcoming ICC Events from 2025 to 2031 - Complete Schedule & Venues