Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Interim Head Coach of Sri Lanka Cricket Team

Sanath Jayasuriya, the legendary Sri Lankan cricketer, has been appointed as the interim head coach of the national team for the upcoming limited-overs series against India and the Test tour of England. This decision marks a significant development in Sri Lankan cricket, as Jayasuriya has not previously held a high-profile coaching position.

Jayasuriya's appointment comes in the wake of Chris Silverwood's resignation as head coach in June. The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board had initially indicated that they would advertise for the role and consider both local and international candidates. However, they have now opted for Jayasuriya, who has been serving as the team's cricket consultant since 2021.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva expressed confidence in Jayasuriya's ability to guide the team, stating that his "wealth of international cricketing experience" makes him well-suited for the role. Jayasuriya was an integral part of Sri Lanka's golden era in the 1990s and early 2000s, helping them win the 1996 World Cup and establish themselves as a formidable force in world cricket.

As a player, Jayasuriya was renowned for his aggressive batting style and ability to change the course of a match with his explosive innings. He is the fifth-highest ODI run-scorer of all time, with over 13,000 runs, and also has 323 ODI wickets to his name. His all-round abilities made him one of the most feared cricketers of his generation.

Jayasuriya's appointment has been met with mixed reactions. Some have questioned his lack of coaching experience, while others have welcomed his return to the national team setup. However, there is no doubt that Jayasuriya's passion for Sri Lankan cricket and his vast knowledge of the game will be invaluable to the team.

The upcoming series against India and the tour of England will be a major test for Jayasuriya and the Sri Lankan team. India is a formidable opponent in all formats, while England is one of the strongest Test teams in the world. Jayasuriya will need to use all his experience and leadership skills to guide the team to success.

Tags: #SanathJayasuriya, #SriLankaCricket, #InterimHeadCoach, #IndiaSeries, #EnglandTour