Legendary cricketer named coach of Sri Lankan team

COLOMBO: Legendary cricketer Sanath Jayasurya has been named the interim coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Jayasuriya will remain as Sri Lanka's head coach until the completion of Sri Lanka's upcoming England tour, Sri Lanka Cricket (SL) said in a statement on Monday. Sri Lanka will play three test matches in the England tour. The first match of the series will be played in Manchester on August 21.

Jayasuriya will be replacing Chris Silverwood who resigned from the position of coach following Sri Lanka's poor performance in the Twenty20 World Cup. Sri Lankan cricket has been going through a rough patch for the last few years.

"Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce the appointment of Mr. Sanath Jayasuriya as the 'Interim Head Coach' of the National Team. He will function in the position until the completion of Sri Lanka's tour of England in September 2024," said SLC's statement.

Jayasuriya is currently serving as the full-time 'Cricket Consultant' of Sri Lanka Cricket. His new appointment comes into immediate effect.