India, Oct. 8 -- Former New Zealand batsman BJ Watling has been appointed the new batting coach of the Blackcaps. However, he will take over the role only after the two-Test series against India next month as current batting coach Luke Ronchi is on the way out.

Watling played 75 Tests for the Kiwis from 2009 to 2021 and scored 3,790 runs at an average of 37.52. He also featured in 28 ODIs and five T20Is. The 41-year-old is excited about his new role. "I'm incredibly excited. To come back into the team and work with this current group is a special opportunity and one I don't take lightly.

"What this side and the support staff have achieved together over recent years has been remarkable, so I'm looking forward to contributing to a world-c...