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Sanath Jayasuriya (Source: X)
Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya was appointed as the interim head coach of the senior men’s team on Monday (July 8). The veteran opener replaces Chris Silverwood, who stepped down from the role after the team's poor performance in the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies.
The sudden transition comes ahead of the white-ball series against India, which starts later this month. The Men in Blue will travel to the island nation for three T20Is and as many ODIs. After the bilateral series between the Asian giants, the Lankan side will travel to England in August for a three-match Test series.
Also Read: India's tour of Sri Lanka starts on July 27; Will play three-match T20I and ODI series
"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," the board said in a release.
Sri Lanka expects to rise under Jayasuriya's wealth of experience
Jayasuriya, who had served as a chief selector in the past, will take charge after the ongoing T20 Lanka Premier League on July 21. The 55-year-old has also worked as a consultant, overseeing players' and coaches' progress in their High-Performance Center in Khettarama.
"Sanath with his wealth of international cricketing experience is well positioned to guide the national team until we find a permanent solution," said Mr. Ashley De Silva, CEO, Sri Lanka Cricket.
Former England cricketer Chris Silverwood cited 'personal reasons' behind his withdrawal. Under Silverwood, Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup in 2022 and reached the final of the continental tournament last year. However, they struggled at the ODI World Cup in 2023 in India and the 2024 T20 World Cup. The Wanindu Hasaranga-led side failed to make it to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup, managing just one victory in the group stage.