South Africa legend Jacques Kallis has been named as England's batting consultant for the Test series in Sri Lanka.

Kallis, one of the all-time great all-rounders, will work with England for the first time in a tour that will see them play two Tests next month.

The 45-year-old was handed the same role on the Proteas coaching staff under Mark Boucher this time last year ahead of their 3-1 Test series loss to England.

Cricket South Africa then turned to Neil McKenzie to take the role of South Africa's high performance batting consultant in September.

Kallis will be among seven coaches who will depart for the tour on January 2, with Graham Thorpe given time off from life in a bio-secure environment.

Head coach Chris Silverwood will travel for the first tour of 2021, while James Foster will remain wicketkeeping consultant following Bruce French's retirement and Jeetan Patel again gets the nod as spin bowling consultant.

Both Tests will be staged at Galle International Cricket Stadium, with the opener starting on January 14.

England coaching staff for Sri Lanka tour:

Head Coach: Chris Silverwood
Assistant Coach: Paul Collingwood
Wicketkeeper Consultant: James Foster
Fielding Coach: Carl Hopkinson
Batting Consultant: Jacques Kallis
Bowling Coach: Jon Lewis
Spin Bowling Consultant: Jeetan Patel