Afghanistan cricket team set to rope in Sri Lankan batting coach
The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) is likely to rope in a new batting coach from Sri Lanka for their upcoming series against Pakistan. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Hamid Shinwari had confirmed the same. He, however, did not reveal or point out any specific name from Sri Lanka who has been approached for the task.
However, as per sources, Hashan Tillakaratne could be their first choice for the job. Tillakaratne is currently the coach of the women’s team and it is understood that he might take up the mantle only if he is approached on a long-term basis and not just for one series.
Speaking from Kabul, Shinwari had stated “Lance Klusner (South Africa is our head coach and Ireland all-rounder John Mooney will be our fielding coach). We shall hire a Sri Lankan batting coach” as reported by Deccan Chronicle.
If this happens, it is to be noted that it would be the third recent instance where a Sri Lankan coach will be hired by a foreign team. Rangana Herath is currently working with the Bangladesh Cricket Team. The team showed some great character to clinch the series against Australia.
Former Australian pacer Shaun Tait has been appointed as the bowling coach of Afghanistan
The former Australian speedster Shaun Tait has been given the charge of the bowling coach of Afghanistan on Monday, August 9. Tait was part of the Australia team that won the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007. He had scalped a total of 23 wickets in the tournament. He also featured in the Australian side that finished as the runner-up in the 2010 ICC T20 World Cup. Shaun Tait is a level two certified coach from Cricket Australia (CA). He has coached several domestic and some international franchise teams, including Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League (BBL).
About the Afghanistan-Pakistan series, the two teams will face each other for three ODIs. Certain talks were held on Afghanistan hosting a tri-nation series that includes Australia and the West Indies. It is however understood that there has not been any development on this yet.
