Sri Lanka rope in Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands as batting and spin-bowling coaches

Julian Wood. (Photo Source: Twitter/X)

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands as the men's team's batting coach and spin bowling coach, respectively. The two will replace Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge in their respective roles. 

While Kandamby had occupied the role of batting coach since December 2023, Wijetunge was the spin bowling coach since February 2006. Wijetunge had been a huge part in nurturing many talented spinners who have played for the Lankans over the years.

It is understood that SLC have come up with a decision to make changes in the coaching staff following Sri Lanka's T20I series defeat to Bangladesh at home earlier in the year.

Wood has been provided a one-year contract. As per ESPNcricinfo, Wood impressed SLC during his week-long "power-hitting programme" with Sri Lanka players earlier this year. He had also coached Bangladesh's team as batting coach on a short-term contract 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.