Sanath Jayasuriya to extend stay as Sri Lanka head coach: Reports

Sanath Jayasuriya, who joined the Sri Lanka senior men’s side as the interim head coach, is likely to get a one-year contract extension, according to reports on ESPNCricinfo. Sri Lankan men have been in good form in international cricket lately, defeating India in an ODI series at home, winning a Test in England, and then dominating New Zealand in home Tests. These wins have given SLC enough confidence to offer the interim coach a permanent position. 

Jayasuriya occupied the coach’s position after Chris Silverwood went away from SLC in June. 

“We are in the final stages of negotiating the contract with him,” SLC CEO Ashley de Silva was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. 

“Probably in the next two or three days you will get to hear more,” de Silva said. 

Jayasuriya had also travelled with the Sri Lankan men’s team in the T20 World Cup this year as a cricket consultant and later took the head coach role when he came back home. So far, along with the ODIs wins against India and the Test wins against New Zealand, Sri Lanka have also faced a T20I series loss against India, and also lost two Test matches and the series in England. Jayasuriya’s proposed contract extension will ensure that he can stay with the team even after the World Test Championship (WTC) final. 

Players like Angelo Mathews have already said that Jayasuriya’s takeover of the side has been a “turning point” for the team. 

"Sanath Jayasuriya was superb as cricket director and now as coach," Mathews said. 

"He communicates well and has given us a lot of freedom. We are all working towards one goal, and now everyone is on the same page. He's also done a superb job grooming the players. He has been amazing. I wish him all the very best."

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