Assistant coach Vincent Barnes is eager to aid interim team director Enoch Nkwe during a second tenure with the Proteas.

Barnes as worked with the Proteas previously and, alongside batting coach Lance Klusener and fielding coach Justin Ontong, will work alongside Nkwe during next month’s three T20Is in India. Three Tests against the same opposition will follow in October.

‘India is a tough place to tour and India are the current number one Test team. Enoch has asked me to assist as the bowling coach. How could I say no when my country calls me for duty?’ Barnes wrote on social media.

‘I’ve had to dust the cobwebs off my catcher’s mitt and equipment. A long, tough tour lies ahead but I am excited about it. The Proteas have a preparation camp coming up next week before we leave for India.

‘It’s time to familiarise myself with a few old faces and some new ones. It’s been eight years since I left the Proteas set-up and I am looking forward to the tour of India. A tough tour, indeed, but I love the culture and the cricket mad public.’

The tourists will be without fast bowler Dale Steyn and batsman Hashim Amla. Steyn’s Test career has ended, while Amla has retired from all international cricket.

‘The Proteas has seen the retirement of two massive players in Amla and Steyn. Although this is a big loss, it also provides opportunities for players to step up. The tour of India will be a very good test for the Proteas and I am pretty confident that the boys will be up for it,’ concluded Barnes.