Former first-class cricketer Amol Muzumdar has been appointed interim batting coach of the Proteas for next month’s Test series against India.

Muzumdar averaged over 48 runs across a 171-match first-class career that spanned two decades. He struck 30 centuries and 60 half-tons.

His coaching career has since brought stints with the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League and the Netherlands.

‘Amol is a perfect fit for us. He brings an intimate knowledge of Indian playing conditions and the challenges our batsmen are likely to face,’ said Cricket South Africa acting director of cricket Corrie van Zyl.

‘He also assisted us at the spin-bowling camp we held recently in India and thus has already built up a good working relationship with Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma and Zubayr Hamza.’

Muzumdar has effectively succeeded former batting coach Dale Benkenstein in an interim capacity. Former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener has been appointed batting coach for the three T20Is that will precede the Test series.

‘Cricket has always been and will continue to be my calling. Having spent 25 years on the pitch as a player I intend to spend the next 25 tapping and grooming talent on the cricket field. I am very excited about this new chapter to my coaching career,’ added Muzumdar.

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