Following a disastrous campaign in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and a group-stage exit, Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood resigned from the post.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have now appointed former opener and legend, Sanath Jayasuriya as the interim coach of the team up until the end of their test series against England in September.
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Jayasuriya has previously served as the chief selector of Sri Lanka’s men’s cricket team as well as a consultant for Sri Lanka cricket. The 55-year-old had also travelled with the team for their run in the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva seemed to be pleased with their decision and is looking forward to Jayasuriya’s time as head coach before they find a permanent solution.
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‘Well positioned to guide the team’ - Ashley de Silva
Following Silverwood’s resignation, De Silva stated that they would be advertising for the post and seeking out candidates preferable and suited enough for the job. Now having appointed Jayasuriya as interim coach, de Silva has had nothing but words of praise for the legend stating that his international cricketing experience would be of massive help to the team.
Sanath with his wealth of international cricketing experience is well positioned to guide the national team, until we find a permanent solution.
Jayasuriya is one of the most decorated cricketers from his time and is known for his aggressive batting back in the days when T20 wasn’t even a thing.
Jayasuriya is still the fifth-highest scorer in ODI history with over 13,000 runs to his name. He has also wicked up 323 ODI wickets, which is the twelfth-highest in history.
Will Sanath Jayasuriya coach Sri Lanka against India?
The former batsman will be in charge of the Sri Lankan side during their upcoming limited-over series against India at home. He will also manage the team for their away Test series against England.
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