Domingo named SA T20 coach for NZ, Pak s

Cape Town: Russell Domingo will take over as coach of South Africa's Twenty20 team for upcoming series against New Zealand and Pakistan, giving Gary Kirsten a chance to focus on Test and one-day preparations as well as spend more time with his young family.

Domingo, who was already assistant coach of the Proteas, will stand in for Kirsten for three T20 games against New Zealand this month and two against Pakistan in March, Cricket South Africa said on Friday.

Kirsten "remains accountable" for all three squads, Test, one-day and T20, CSA said, but will focus more on the Test and ODI series — allowing him more time with his wife and children.

Domingo, who was already assistant coach of the Proteas, will stand in for Kirsten for three T20 games against New Zealand this month and two against Pakistan in March.

The 2011 World Cup-winning coach with India, Kirsten this year led South Africa to the top of the Test rankings and joint top of the ODI standings. The former Proteas opening batsman has often broken away from his cricket duties to be with his family, most recently flying back during the Test tour of Australia to spend a few days at home.

"I have worked closely with Russell over the past 18 months and I'm confident he will do a great job," Kirsten said. "He fully understands the Proteas culture and will be able to build that culture with the new crop of T20 players we will be blooding this season."

Kirsten will still be involved in team selection and strategy for T20s, but handed over the squad's preparation and daily activities to Domingo for the next few months. Conversely, Domingo gave Kirsten his first coaching role as a batting consultant when Domingo was head coach at South African provincial team, the Warriors.

"Coaching at the highest level has always been a goal of mine," Domingo said.

South Africa play New Zealand in three T20s, two Tests and three one-dayers starting this month. Pakistan then tour for two T20s, three Tests and five ODIs from February.

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