• McKenzie extends role with SA

    Neil McKenzie will continue as the Proteas batting consultant for the duration of coach Russell Domingo’s contract, which expires in April 2017.

    Domingo initially said McKenzie, who started working with South Africa in the T20 series against England, would be involved with the national side until the T20 World Cup, after which ‘things will be assessed from there’.

    While Cricket South Africa haven’t made any announcements regarding the matter, McKenzie confirmed to SACricketmag.com that he will continue working with the Proteas for the next 12 months.

    ‘I have really enjoyed my time with the national side as batting coach and will continue in that role until April 2017, when Russell’s contract with CSA is set to expire, McKenzie said.

    I have a really good relationship with the rest of the coaching staff. Even though we failed to reach the play-offs of the World T20 tournament, I don’t think we’re far off from where we want to be. My challenge going forward will be to continue to try adding value to the set-up and getting to know the batsmen and their respective approaches.

    ‘I want to put everything into the next 12 months and re-assess my coaching career next year, but so far it’s gone well.’

    There has been speculation about Domingo’s future as coach after South Africa failed to progress from the group stage to the play-offs. CSA will launch a review of the results in the near future, but it remains unlikely that Domingo will be shown the door before his contract expires.

    His sacking with 12 months left on his contract will reportedly cost CSA too much money.

    You can read McKenzie’s column, where he goes into detail about the his role with the Proteas, in the next issue of SA Cricket magazine, which will hit stands in mid April.