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| Saturday, 7 June 2003 |
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Former Aussie opener John Dyson is new Lankan coach - Sumathipala by Dinesh Weerawansa Former Australian Test opener John Dyson will be Sri Lanka's new national cricket coach. His services have been secured by the new Sri Lanka Cricket Board President, Thilanga Sumathipala. In keeping with Sumathipala's promise to get a reputed international coach within the first 30 days in office, they have signed 49-year-old former Australian Test batsman, initially for a period of 18 months. Dyson, who has played over 30 Tests for Australia, is due to arrive in Colombo on July 6 by the time Sri Lanka team returns from the current tour of the West Indies. He will take charge of the national team from August 1, new BCCSL Chief Sumathipala said at a well-attended news conference at the BCCSL headquarters yesterday. Sumathipala said they looked for a national coach even before his team faced the elections. "Mohan de Silva (the Secretary-elect) was in Australia recently on a private visit and we made use of him to successfully negotiate with Dyson said Sumathipala. Commenting on the new coach Dyson, new BCCSL Vice President and National Selector Aravinda de Silva said the Australian cricketer turned coach has a good knowledge on the modern techniques of the game and has a masters degree in physical fitness. Dyson is also a specialist psychologist. He has toured Sri Lanka with the Australian team in the past. The BCCSL is also in the process of looking for a new team physio. Aravinda de Silva said they have received 14 applications and will make an appointment soon in keeping the present demands of the national team. Sumathipala called all those who love the game to rally round his team to help Sri Lanka cricket and help the national team to regain lost prestige. Sumathipala said the biggest financial challenge is to face the legal dispute with the WSG Nimbus, for which the BCCSL will have to pay USD 11 million after losing an arbitration hearing in Singapore over television rights case. The BCCSL will have to pay USD 768,000 immediately as legal fees before the final verdict in September. But he said he will discuss with Nimbus and try to sort out matters within six months. Meanwhile, Arjuna Ranatunga, who was well and truly beaten by Sumathipala at yesterday's elections, said he is happy with the outcome. "It is a good eye opener to all. I just wanted to prove a point to Sri Lankans and to the world how corrupt this election system is. I am happy at least there were seven genuine votes," he said. Ranatunga said he will not join with people who have corruption allegations, though he wants to make his contribution for Sri Lanka cricket. |
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