Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands as the men’s batting and spin bowling coaches, respectively. The two will take over Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge’s positions.
Kandamby was the batting coach since December 2023, and Wijetunge was the spin bowling coach since February 2006.
Wijetunge had a significant role in the development of many great spinners who have represented Sri Lanka over the years.
It is known that SLC has decided to make changes to the coaching staff following Sri Lanka’s home T20I series defeat to Bangladesh earlier this year.
Wood has been given a one-year deal. According to SLC, Wood wowed them during his week-long “power-hitting programme” with Sri Lankan players earlier this year. He also served as batting coach for Bangladesh on a short-term deal this year.
“He [Wood] brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gloucestershire CCC, Hampshire CCC, Middlesex CCC, and IPL franchise Punjab Kings, among others,” an SLC release stated.
Meanwhile, Ferdinands will be in the role for a couple of years. He is expected to “lead spin bowling training, match preparation, performance analysis, and player development”.
“Holding a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, Ferdinands brings extensive expertise in applying science to enhance cricket performance. He previously worked with the National Cricket Academy of India (NCA), delivering biomechanics-based coaching programs for elite players and coaches. A specialist in both wrist and finger spin, Rene has also served as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket, carrying out performance evaluations and injury-risk assessments for leading bowlers,” it added.
There is no cricketing action for Sri Lanka in October. Their next assignment is a tour of Pakistan in which they will play three ODIs. The next series will be a T20I tri-series involving hosts Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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