Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has strengthened its coaching setup ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 by appointing two seasoned professionals – Julian Wood and Rene Ferdinands – to key specialist roles.
Wood joins the Sri Lankan men’s team on a one-year contract as the new batting coach, while Ferdinands takes charge as the spin bowling coach, working closely with star spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
The duo replace Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge respectively, bringing vast international experience to the national setup.
Julian Wood’s credentials include previous stints with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Middlesex, and Punjab Kings (IPL). Renowned for his innovative power-hitting methods, Wood is expected to add a modern edge to Sri Lanka’s batting approach.
Meanwhile, Rene Ferdinands, a former New Zealand first-class cricketer and PhD holder in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, brings a scientific approach to spin bowling development. He has previously worked with the National Cricket Academy (India) and New Zealand Cricket, specialising in biomechanics-based performance analysis and injury prevention.
With these appointments, Sri Lanka aims to sharpen both its batting and spin departments as the team builds toward a competitive showing at the T20 World Cup next year.
(Tamil Craze)
