Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Sri Lanka's Head Coach For One-Year

Jayasuriya appointed head coach [Source: @CeylonX6/X]Jayasuriya appointed head coach [Source: @CeylonX6/X]

After an impressive spell as the interim head coach of the Sri Lankan team, Sanath Jayasuriya's tenure has been extended for one-year by the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC). The move comes after the former cricketer's excellent as head coach across formats.

Jayasuriya took over as the interim head coach's role in July, for the series against India, after Chris Silverwood decided not to renew his contract. Surprisingly, not a lot was expected of Jayasuriya, but the former Sri Lankan captain delivered the goods in his first series, defeating Rohit Sharma's India 2-0 in the ODI series.

He followed it up with a brilliant Test series against England. Despite trailing 2-0 in the series, the Lankan Lions bounced back and won the Oval Test to clinch a historic win. Jayasuriya's Sri Lanka, then defeated New Zealand in the first Test at Galle, and are on the verge of thrashing them again in the second Test.

When he took over the role, the Sri Lankan cricket was going through a turmoil, but the former cricketer created a harmony in the side and have also strengthened their position in the WTC points table.

Sri Lanka eye WTC finale spot under Jayasuriya

Currently, Sri Lanka are third in the WTC points table, just behind Australia and India. They have a golden chance of a series clean sweep against the Kiwis and that will further bolster their chances for a place in the WTC finals.

However, they still need to depend on other results to secure a place in the finale, set to take place in Lord's next year. After the series against New Zealand, Sri Lanka will have four Test remaining - two away fixtures Vs South Africa, followed by a home series against Australia. Sri Lanka need to win all the four matches to have a chance of doing the unthinkable.