Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) named former Sri Lankan fast bowler Chaminda Vaas as specialist fast bowling coach for the upcoming India series after Champaka Ramanayake stepped down from the role.
Ramanayake, who took charge as bowling coach of Sri Lanka in 2015, said that he has personal reasons for not continuing the job. However, a report published on ESPNCricinfo stated that Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is keen on hiring Ramanayake’ services.
Sri Lankan cricket is going through a tough period as their legendary cricketers Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tilakaratane Dilshan announced their retirement in quick succession and Angelo Matthews recently stepped down as captain of Sri Lankan cricket team.
Sri Lanka will host India for 3 Tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20Is, and many believe that it is going to be a very crucial series for the young Lankan team.
Keeping this in mind, SLC made a quick decision to rope in one of their best cricketers ever and give some confidence to the young team. Chaminda Vaas’ appointment comes hours after it was officially announced that Dinesh Chandimal, who was given the charge after Mathews stepped down, is injured and will not participate in the first 2 Tests. It was also announced that Sri Lanka’s ace left-arm spinner Rangana Herath will lead the side in the first 2 Test against India.
