Sri Lanka Cricket name interim coaching staff for home series against Zimbabwe

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced an interim coaching staff for the national side ahead of their home series against Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka are set host Zimbabwe for a 5-match ODI series and a one-off Test. The ODI series will commence on June 30. The only Test on the tour, which will be played in Colombo, will be first Test for Zimbabwe on Sri Lankan soil after 2001.

The Sri Lankan side recently found itself in an awkward position when their coach Graham Ford stepped down from the post midway through his tenure. As per the contract, Ford was expected to be with the national side till the ICC World Cup 2019. But due to personal reasons, Ford headed back home to South Africa. SLC President SLC Hon. Thilanga Sumathipala thanked Ford for his services to Sri Lankan cricket.

He conceded that Ford held the team together when the things were very fragile and volatile for the national setup. He showed great faith in the side and gave his full support. He further added that the board totally understands the decision taken by him to step down from the post.

“We have to thank Fordy for his invaluable contribution to Sri Lanka Cricket. He joined us at a time where we were quoted by the ICC as being on the ‘verge of suspension’ and at a time where things were volatile and uncertain, Ford had faith in us & has given us his fullest support. This was a decision arrived at mutually after careful consideration and deliberation and we are both confident of its propriety. Ford epitomizes the character of cricket as a true gentleman, and we are indeed sorry to see him go. We wish him the very best in where his path lies,” SLC President quoted.

Now, in the absence of a regular coach, the fielding coach Nic Pothas has been named as the interim coach of the team. The Sri Lanka Cricket named the interim coaching staff on their official website.

Here is the complete list of the interim coaching staff:

Manager: Sri Lanka Asanka Gurusinha
Chief operating officer : Sri Lankan Jerome Jayaratne
High performance manager: England Simon Willis
Head Coach: South Africa Nic Pothas
Batting Coach: Sri Lanka Avishka Gunawardena
Fielding Coach: South Africa Nic Pothas
Fast Bowling Coach: Sri Lanka Champaka Ramanayake
Spin Bowling Coach: Sri Lanka Piyal Wijetunge
Strength & Conditioning Coach: England Nick Lee