Newly-appointed coach Bayliss hopes Sri Lanka can win 2011 Word Cup

Colombo, June 17 (UNI) Expressing full faith in the abilities of the nation's cricketers, Sri Lanka's newly appointed coach Trevor Bayliss said the island nation can win the 2011 World Cup in the subcontinent, provided they continue with their hardwork.

Addressing media persons after signing his two-year contract with the Sri Lankan team, Bayliss said, ''Sri Lankans are a pretty good side.

''I see no reason why they cannot win the next World Cup if they maintain their hard work, which put a lot of teams under pressure in the last World Cup.'' Bayliss, who became fifth Australian and the first non-international player to coach the Lankan side, replaced his contrymen Tom Moody last Thrusday.

The 44-year-old Aussie has played 58 first-class matches for New South Wales as a middle-order batsman from 1985 to 1993 before making his mark as the state coach when he took over from Steve Rixon during the 2004-05 season.

UNI