Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has fortified its coaching staff with significant additions, welcoming Bharat Arun, the former India fast bowling coach, and renowned South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes. Additionally, Alex Kountouri, a former Sri Lankan physiotherapist, has secured a spot in the coaching lineup. The decision to strengthen the coaching staff was made during the recent meeting of the Executive Committee of SLC, held on January 16, 2024, under the leadership of President Shammi Silva.
In a released statement, SLC mentioned, “Sri Lanka Cricket decided to obtain the services of some of the best-known talents in international cricket to provide advanced training for local coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists to enhance their skills and competencies by conducting periodic training programs in selected areas.”
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“Towards this, the Executive Committee decided to obtain the services of former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, who is a specialist fielding coach—former India National Team fast bowling coach Bharat Arun—and former Sri Lanka National Team physiotherapist Alex Kountouri,” it added.
The Executive Committee opted to enlist the expertise of Jonty Rhodes, renowned for his exceptional fielding skills, as a specialist fielding coach. Bharat Arun, the former fast bowling coach for the Indian National Team, and Alex Kountouri, a former physiotherapist for the Sri Lanka National Team, complete the trio of experienced additions to the coaching setup.
Sri Lanka rope in Bharat Arun in advanced coaching role#BharatArun https://t.co/yffV8Gi7WK pic.twitter.com/ZdkNRgD0J0
— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) January 18, 2024
Moreover, the SLC Executive Committee introduced an award scheme recognizing outstanding performances by junior cricketers in Sri Lanka’s school cricket tournaments. This initiative, in collaboration with the Schools Cricket Association of Sri Lanka, will acknowledge cricketers from the U15 to U17 categories.
The board also decided to enhance the match fees for players participating in the National Super League (NSL) and extend appreciation to retiring match officials.
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In the cricketing arena, Sri Lanka is gearing up to face Zimbabwe in the T20I series decider scheduled for January 18 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. With the series tied 1-1 after Zimbabwe’s impressive win in the second T20I, both teams are expected to compete fiercely in the final game to claim the trophy.
