Gooch to coach England's batsmen

Gooch will lend his experience ahead of the first Test at Centurion

Former England captain Graham Gooch is to coach his country's batsmen on a temporary basis as they prepare for the four-Test series in South Africa.

The Essex batting coach, 56, will fly out to join the Performance Programme squad in Pretoria this weekend.

England and Wales Cricket Board managing director Hugh Morris said: "Graham is one of the best batting coaches in international cricket.

"We are delighted to have secured his services leading up to the first Test."

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The first Test at Centurion starts on 16 December after the end of the five-match one-day series, which is currently tied at 1-1 with two matches to play.

Gooch will link up with the Test specialists, coached by another former Essex batsman Andy Flower, after the one-day international series has finished.