Wright top contender to replace Moody

Abu Dhabi, May 21 (UNI) Former India coach John Wright has emerged as a top contender to replace Tom Moody as Sri Lanka coach.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chairman Jayantha Dharmadasa said the former Kiwi opener's name will be considered by a committee formed by the board to pick the coach of the World Cup runners-up side.

''Tom Moody just quit last week and he has suggested few names, including that of John Wright from New Zealand.

''I have invited a few players to the committee. When I return (to Sri Lanka), I will know who have accepted to be in the committee and once that is finalised we will look into the list of names available,'' Dharmadasa told 'Gulf News'.

''There are a few other names in the list and quite a few are not international players. We will decide soon though,'' he added.

On the current series and loss of form of the World Cup finalists, Dharmadasa was unperturbed and blamed it to loss of key players.

''We have three senior players playing county cricket while another senior, Marvan Atapattu, is not there. So this team is playing without four seniors,'' he said.

Dharmadasa also confirmed further participation to play here at the Zayed Stadium and said, ''We have confirmed participation of our 'A' team and would definitely like to come back here''.

UNI