ZCZC
BSP-21
SRI-CRICKET-HATHURUSINGHA
Sri Lanka recall coach ahead of South Africa T20 series
COLOMBO, March 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Sri Lanka recalled Thursday head coach
Chandika Hathurushingha ahead of a three-match T20 series in South Africa
amid reports of tensions with several players.
Sri Lanka play the first T20 against the hosts on Tuesday in Cape Town,
but Hathurusingha will return home after the fifth and final ODI on Saturday,
the Sri Lankan board said.
Despite reports about ructions within the Sri Lankan camp, the board said
in a statement that the recall was to discuss the team’s preparations for the
World Cup starting at the end of May in England and Wales.
“(Fielding coach) Steve Rixon will be the acting Head Coach of the
National team during the T20 Series in South Africa,” Sri Lanka Cricket said.
South Africa has a 4-0 lead in the five-match ODI series, but the tourists
won two Test matches last month.
Hathurusingha was stripped of his team selection responsibilities, in
January, underscoring tensions within the team and its management.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1850HRS