Thilan Samaraweera Joins New Zealand Coaching Staffs For Sri Lanka Tests
Published - 30 Jul 2019, 12:57 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:01 AM
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New Zealand have roped in former Sri Lanka batsman Thilan Samaraweera for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The former Sri Lankan will work with Peter Fulton who has taken over the reins of batting coach from Craig McMillan.
Kiwis add Samaraweera for Sri Lanka tour
The Black Caps have announced a strong squad including four spinners for the tour of Sri Lanka. They will have a tough job ahead as both the sides will be desperate to secure crucial points in the early days of the ICC World Test Championship which gets underway on August 1. The New Zealand batsmen will have a facing a few problems considering the turning wickets in the sub-continent. Thus, they have secured the service of Thilan Samaraweera to help the Kiwi batters play spin better.
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Since bidding farewell to international cricket in 2013, Samaraweera has held various coaching assignments around the world. These include being batting coach of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and fielding coach of Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2018 IPL. Thilan Samaraweera, who averages over 48 in 81 Test matches, held the post of the batting coach of Sri Lanka till the ICC World Cup 2019.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead welcomed Thilan Samaraweera’s appointment and said that they are looking forward to working with him during the Sri Lanka tour.
“We’re delighted to welcome Thilan into our environment for the Test phase of the tour,” he said in a statement Tuesday. His knowledge of Sri Lankan conditions will be invaluable and he’ll offer great assistance to Peter Fulton on his first tour.
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Having an extra support coach worked really well for us at the World Cup where we had Luke Ronchi on board, and we’re sure Thilan will also offer a lot to the group,” he added.
The to-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will get underway at Galle on August 14.
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