Sri Lanka hire psychologist Jeremy Snape ahead of World Cup

Jeremy Snape

Colombo, Feb 6 (IANS) The Sri Lankan cricket team have acquired the services of sports psychologist Jeremy Snape for a second spell with the team during the World Cup which starts on February 14.

The former England off-spinner previously worked with Sri Lanka during their home series against England in November 2014.

"Jeremy Snape will be with the Sri Lankan team for 14 days, from February 24 to March 9. Jeremy will be able to enhance individual performance of the national team," said an official release.

"This move is bound to add value to the system at this crucial stage and will support to derive the maximum output of players to face any challenges in the upcoming World Cup in particular."

One of the reasons behind the decision has been Sri Lanka's pattern of failing in high-pressure matches over the past few years. They lost four major finals between 2007 and 2012 but then won the World Twenty20 in 2014.

Snape played 10 One-Day Internationals (ODI) and a T20 for England in addition to 121 first-class matches. He also has a masters degree in sports psychology and has worked with England, South Africa, as well as with Indian Premier League (IPL) and Big Bash League (BBL) teams.