by Madushka Balasuriya

In his first appearance in front of the media following appointment as head coach of the Sri Lankan national team, Former Surrey coach Graham Ford has stated his desire to take Sri Lankan cricket back to the “top of the international stage,” but also called for patience as it would not be an overnight process.

“I’m excited to be back and be involved with the Sri Lankan lads. I’ve said it many times, just how much I enjoyed my first two years with the Sri Lankan team. I really believe there’s no other group of players that play with such passion, and have such good cricketing attitude. So for a coach, it really is a special group of lads to work with,” said Ford, to packed media room at Sri Lanka Cricket headquarters yesterday.

Ford, who has signed a 45-month contract with Sri Lanka Cricket, was last in charge of the national side from 2010-2012, a far more successful and settled period for the island nation. He has since overseen a very successful period at English County side Surrey, but the youthful outfit Ford takes is a different proposition to the side he last coached in 2012.

“I’m very aware of what a huge challenge it is. I think Sri Lankan Cricket finds itself in the very early stages of a very important rebuilding phase. A lot of hard work needs to be done, and I think it’s very important that this rebuilding phase is done on extremely solid foundations. 

“Patience is important. And then hopefully we can take Sri Lankan cricket right back to the top of the international stage.”

He was however confident that Sri Lanka has the talent to make that goal a reality. 

“I certainly learnt when I was here previously that there is an abundance of talent, but it is about identifying those that have got the mental toughness to go on and become successful players and consistent match winners at international level.

“There’s nothing more rewarding for a coach than to see young players develop and become special players on the international stage.”

Ford takes over from Jerome Jayaratne, who was appointed head coach on a temporary basis following the resignation of Marvan Atapattu from the role in September last year. Jayaratne, whose good rapport with the players is well known, will remain head of the SLC coaching department and continue to play an integral role in the development of Sri Lankan cricket.

“Jerome has been involved in Sri Lankan cricket for such a long time and knows the players so well, and has a wealth of knowledge technically and tactically. His input is important and obviously the selectors and the board are all working together to ensure that this long-term process can take place,” explained Ford.

SLC Chairman Thilanga Sumathipala meanwhile, clarified that Jayaratne had been consulted prior to Ford’s appointment and had agreed that hiring him would prove invaluable in the long run with regards to the reforms planned for cricket in Sri Lanka. Sumathipala also expanded on the process and challenges involved in hiring someone of the calibre of Ford.

“It was quite an effort for us to get Graham onboard. Coaches his calibre have all been snapped up by world class teams. So I am delighted that Surrey agreed to release Graham with 18 months left on his contract. We had looked at 12 different coaches in the process, but I’m glad that we managed to get the best from the lot.

“Thanks must also go to Kumar Sangakkara, who was playing under Graham at Surrey. He played an important role in convincing Graham of the project that we at the SLC are trying to undertake. As well as several others who want to get cricket in the country back on track,” he added.

Ford’s first challenge will be this month’s tour of India, where Sri Lanka are scheduled to compete in three T20 internationals. That will be followed by the T20 Asia Cup in Bangladesh and then the World T20 in India. Ford said the upcoming tour of India will allow him to get a much better understanding of exactly where his team is at the moment.

“India just played some fantastic cricket in Australia and they’re going to be in their own backyard. It’s a tough place to start for us with a young side, but it’s a great opportunity for us to find out just exactly where we stand and how good some of our young guys are and to answer some questions.”  

– Pix by Bhanuka Kirinde

 Dinesh Chandimal, Vice President Angelo Mattews, Captain Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka Cricket Coach Graham Ford & Sri Lanka Cricket President Thilanga Sumathipala

Malinga, Mathews, Chandimal to share leadership responsibilities

by Madushka Balasuriya

Lasith Malinga has been named captain of the T20 side with Angelo Mathews his deputy, Sri Lanka Cricket Chairman Thilanga Sumathipala announced yesterday. 

There is also a role for Dinesh Chandimal. While no official title has been given, it will see him share leadership responsibilities with Malinga and Mathews. “For the T20 format, after Malinga and Mathews, Chandimal will be the next leader of the team,” explained Sumathipala. “These three players are being given the responsibility to work as brothers together, to build the national team. They have a colossal amount of experience and knowledge.” 

Chandimal’s first task will be to lead Sri Lanka in their tour of India this month in the absence of Malinga and Mathews.