SLC hire Australian psychologist in a bid to stabilize the under-performing team

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is dwindling through a tough phase, and the results speak for itself. From failed captaincy to poor match tactics, the Islanders have failed to capitalize on any opportunity in most of their encounters. Only recently they were left decimated across all the formats on their tour to India. However, the sport in the country is set to witness a wave of change as the SLC, earlier this month announced Chandika Hathurusingha as the new head coach of the national team.

And now news outlets report that the board has hired an Australian psychologist for the national team. Phil Jauncey, who had earlier worked with the 49-year-old Hathurusingha in New South Wales and Bangladesh is set to arrive in the island nation early next week. The new coach may not have recommended his name but is thoroughly aware of his skills and techniques during his stint in Australia.

Jauncey’s main task as per the Daily Mirror is to motivate the depleted Sri Lankan team that suffered some heavy defeats in all formats of the game in recent times. He has been bestowed with bringing a rejuvenated energy into the dressing rooms before the team leaves for their upcoming Bangladesh tour. However, the report further suggested that he will not travel with the national team.

New coach Chandika Hathurusingha wants control over team selection

Ever since taking up the role of the head-coach, Hathurusingha pledged to get tough with the underperforming national team players. The former Bangladesh coach has also demanded full authority over team selection.

The chief coach is not an automatic member of the selectors’ panel but Hathurusingha wants this changed, even if a new sports law needs to be drawn up. Although the discussions are in a preliminary stage, the new coach remains optimistic of the developments.