Nic Pothas named as Sri Lankan fielding coach

Former South African wicketkeeper-batsman Nic Pothas has been named as the new fielding coach of the Sri Lankan national cricket team. Reports from the Sri Lankan cricket board suggest that Pothas will begin his new role on the 8th of August. The 41-year old former custodian has been involved in coaching since his retirement and has served as the academy director for Leicestershire and the cricket director at Guernsey in the past.

“Our last few outings are showing a marked improvement in the batting and bowling, however, our fielding has been letting us down,” SLC president Thilanga Sumathipala said. “Pothas joining the support team already in place will give the necessary boost to this important area.

“We always believe in engaging the best professional advice and technical support for our national team, and this appointment is one such positive step,” Sumathipala added.

Pothas had a brief stint with the South African team when the Proteas travelled to Singapore to play the Godrej Singapore Challenge Cup. Pothas however, featured in just the three ODIs, two of which came against Pakistan.

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Since then, Pothas has been heavily involved in English county cricket, featuring a little over 218 First-Class matches, most of which came from Hampshire. Prior to leaving his role with Leicestershire, Pothas, as well as the SLC, conveyed their thanks to the club and its management.

“I will forever be grateful to Leicestershire County Cricket Club for the opportunity to join at an exciting time,” Pothas said. “But the opportunity to be involved in the game at the highest level is not one that I could pass up.”

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