Sri Lanka won't rush to appoint new coach : Board Chief

Colombo, May 21 (UNI) Although outgoing Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody is leaving after the ongoing Abu Dhabi series, the Aussie is helping the team to find his successor amidst reports that former Sri Lanka fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake could be the next assistant coach .

''He(Moody) has come up with a few names and we are also conducting our own research to have an appropriate candidate who can continue the good work Moody has done with the national team so far,'' Sri Lanka Cricket chief Jayantha Dharmadasa said.

Dharmadasa made it clear that the commitee would not rush into things immediately and will take their time in appointing a successor to Moody.

He, however, tipped off that Sri Lanka was keen to appoint Rumesh Ratnayake as the assistant coach. The 43-year-old former cricketer has played 23 tests in his career taking 73 wickets at an average of 35.10.

According to a top official of Sri Lanka cricket, Dharmadasa has made a request to release Ratnayake for a period of two years.

Ratnayake is at present a development officer of the Asian Cricket Council of which Dharmadasa is the president.

Meanwhile, Dharmadasa revealed that former India coach John Wright, who was a contender for the post, has informed that he was not interested in coaching any team, This leaves Sri Lanka Cricket with six other candidates to consider. Top of their short list are Jamie Siddons, Dave Houghton, Greg Shipperd, Trevor Oliver, Trevor Bayliss and Graham Ford.

UNI