Rumesh Ratnayake turns down Assistant Coach post

Sri Lanka Cricket is extremely appointment at the withdrawal of Rumesh Ratnayake as assistant coach of the Sri Lankan team. Ratnayake, the former Sri Lankan fast bowler, had signed a four-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket nearly a month ago to become assistant coach, replacing the outgoing coach Trevor Penney. But in a sudden turn around, Ratnayake has sent a letter saying that he is unable to accept the position due to family commitments.

Ratnayake, who is currently a Development Officer of the Asian Cricket Council, was preferred to be replaced as Assistant Coach two years ago, but Sri Lanka Cricket instead decided to pursue with Moody’s nominee, current stand-in coach Trevor Penny.

Since he had signed a contract with SL Cricket, he was expected to take over beginning August.

But, now that he has withdrawed from this post, it is highly unlikely there will local assistant. Newly appointed Head Coach, Australian Trevor Bayliss, who will begin his two-year stint in August, will most probably be given the opportunity to find a suitable assistant.

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Vandort replaces Tharanga in First Test

Sri Lanka ‘s ‘A’ team opener, Michael Vandort has been called up to replace injured Upul Tharanga in the first Test against Bangladesh.

Vandort, who averages 51.22 in six Tests made his Test debut against Bangladesh six years ago in Colombo. Having played only six Test matches so far, he already has two centuries to his name. He last played a test against England in June 2006.

He also hit a brisk 38 in the three-day practice match against Bangladesh.

The left hander will open the batting with debutant Malinda Warnapura.

Sri Lanka will play two test matches in Colombo, and the final in Kandy, with its first scheduled to begin on June 25.

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