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Cape Town - Vincent Barnes said he couldn't turn down the opportunity when he was asked to assist the Proteas bowlers on their upcoming tour to India.
Barnes was named as the bowling coach for the tour to the sub-continent and will form part of the coaching team under interim team director Enoch Nkwe.
Former Proteas all-rounder Lance Klusener has also been roped into the technical team for the T20Is while Justin Ontong will continue in his role as fielding coach.
Barnes, who is the current high performance manager at Cricket South Africa, spent close to ten years as an assistant coach to the national side under various coaches.
The former fast bowler said he is excited to get back into the national set-up as the Proteas prepare for three T20Is and three Tests.
Barnes wrote on his Facebook page: "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?
"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."
It will be transition period for the Proteas as batsman Hashim Amla has retired from all international cricket and fast bowler Dale Steyn called it quits in the Test format.
While acknowledging that it will be difficult to fill the boots of two legendary South African cricketers, Barnes said it will provide opportunities for new heroes to be born.
Barnes continued: "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."
- TeamTalk
