Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed Julian Wood as batting coach and Rene Ferdinands as spin-bowling coach for the men’s national team, replacing Thilina Kandamby and Piyal Wijetunge, respectively.
Wood, widely recognised for revolutionising England’s white-ball strategy with his power-hitting techniques, was previously contracted with Bangladesh on a short-term basis, a contract the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) opted not to renew after it ended in September. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has now signed him on a one-year deal.
Ferdinands, meanwhile, has been appointed for a two-year term, during which he is expected to oversee spin bowling training, match preparation, performance analysis, and player development.
“Holding a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, Ferdinands brings extensive expertise in applying science to enhance cricket performance,” an SLC statement said. He has previously worked at the BCCI’s National Cricket Academy, “delivering biomechanics-based coaching programmes for elite players and coaches”. “A specialist in both wrist and finger spin, Rene has also served as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket, carrying out performance evaluations and injury-risk assessments for leading bowlers.”
Kandamby had served as Sri Lanka’s batting coach since December 2023, while Wijetunge had been with Sri Lanka since February 2006. It is understood that the decision to restructure the coaching staff followed Sri Lanka’s home series defeat to Bangladesh in July. During the 2025 Asia Cup, the Charith Asalanka-led team also failed to reach the final.
Since Sanath Jayasuriya took over as head coach, Sri Lanka have performed well. The team is making steady progress, and the addition of Wood and Ferdinands suggests they have identified a weak link they now aim to strengthen moving forward.
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