Sanath Jayasuriya appointed Sri Lanka's full-time coach
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced former opening batter Sanath Jayasuriya as the head coach of the men's team. The former captain will stay with the team until the T20 World Cup in 2026, set to be co-hosted by the island nation itself alongside India.
Jayasuriya had first taken over as the interim coach during the white-ball series at home against India. Although the 55-year-old's stint began with a 3-0 T20 series defeat to India, the hosts thwarted their opponents 2-0 in the 50-over leg. He also showcased his mettle on the subsequent tour of England and cemented his credibility with a Test series victory over New Zealand at home.
SLC has issued a statement addressing the 110-Test veteran's appointment.
"The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team's good performances in the recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the 'interim head coach,'" the statement read (via ESPNCricinfo).
The 2-0 series win over the Black Caps has also put the national team in frame to play in the World Test Championship (WTC) final next year at Lord's. They are currently third in the standings. However, they face the challenging task of beating South Africa in their backyard and winning both their Tests against Australia at home.
Sanath Jayasuriya's first assignment as full-time coach is against the West Indies
Meanwhile, the former player's first assignment since being appointed in a full-time capacity will be the ODI and T20I series against the West Indies. The Caribbeans will play three T20Is in Dambulla, beginning on October 13, while the 50-over games start on October 20.
West Indies have also named their squads for the Sri Lanka tour, with Rovman Powell to lead in T20Is and Shai Hope to don the captaincy hat in the one-dayers. SLC, meanwhile, are expected to name the national team's squads soon.