Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Interim Head Coach of Sri Lanka Ahead of India Series
COLOMBO: Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national cricket team ahead of its upcoming white-ball home series against India, set to commence later this month. The series will feature three T20 Internationals and three ODIs, starting from July 27.
Jayasuriya, renowned for his aggressive batting style, steps into the coaching role following the resignation of Englishman Chris Silverwood last week. Silverwood’s departure came in the wake of Sri Lanka’s disappointing T20 World Cup campaign, where the team failed to progress beyond the league stage.
The 55-year-old Jayasuriya, who played a pivotal role as an opener during his cricketing career, brings a wealth of experience to the team. He previously served as the chief selector and was a consultant during the T20 World Cup held in the USA and the Caribbean earlier this year.
In addition to the series against India, Jayasuriya will also oversee Sri Lanka’s Test tour to England, according to reports from The ‘Daily Mirror’ newspaper.
Jayasuriya’s cricketing credentials are impressive. He played in 110 Tests from 1991 to 2007, amassing 6,973 runs at an average of 40.07, including 14 centuries and 31 fifties. In One Day Internationals, he featured in 445 matches, scoring 13,430 runs at an average of 32.36, with 28 centuries and 68 half-centuries.
A key figure in Sri Lanka’s victorious 1996 ODI World Cup campaign, Jayasuriya’s impact on the game extended beyond the pitch. He also served as a Member of Parliament from 2010 to 2015, demonstrating his commitment to his country both on and off the field.
As Jayasuriya takes on this new challenge, Sri Lankan cricket fans hope his leadership and expertise will guide the team to success in the upcoming series against India and beyond.