Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced two key coaching appointments for its men’s national team. England’s Julian Wood will take over as batting coach, while Rene Ferdinands will lead spin-bowling training. The move comes after Sri Lanka’s defeat in the T20I series against Bangladesh in July, which led to a shake-up in the coaching staff.
"He [Wood] brings a wealth of experience, having previously worked with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gloucestershire CCC, Hampshire CCC, Middlesex CCC, and IPL franchise Punjab Kings, among others," stated an SLC media release, as per an ANI report.
Wood, who previously worked with England’s cricket board and IPL franchise Punjab Kings, impressed SLC during a short-term “power-hitting program” earlier this year. He has been handed a one-year contract. Wood’s recent stint with Bangladesh ended in September after the board chose not to renew his deal.
Ferdinands brings science to spin coaching
Rene Ferdinands, who holds a PhD in biomechanics, has been appointed for two years. He is expected to bring a science-backed approach to spin bowling, focusing on training, match preparation, and player development. Ferdinands has previously worked with New Zealand Cricket and India’s National Cricket Academy, offering biomechanics-based coaching to elite players.
"Holding a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, Ferdinands brings extensive expertise in applying science to enhance cricket performance. He previously worked with the National Cricket Academy of India (NCA), delivering biomechanics-based coaching programs for elite players and coaches. A specialist in both wrist and finger spin, Rene has also served as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket, carrying out performance evaluations and injury-risk assessments for leading bowlers," Sri Lanka Cricket wrote in the release.
Both coaches replace Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge, who had long tenures with the team. SLC may be hoping that the appointments will improve consistency and performance.
