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| Sunday, 29 May 2005 |
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Moody plans for successful World Cup campaign in 2007 by Lal Gunesekera The remuneration package offered by the Interim Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and accepted by Tom Moody (designated as Head Coach of the Sri Lanka side) was not divulged as "it's not the policy to discuss the benefits of the employees. But it was something we could have afforded and Moody accepted it" said the Treasurer of the Interim Committee, Kumar Weerasuriya, at Thursday's media briefing to introduce the big Australian, who is the fourth from 'down under' to hold the post of coach of the national side. The previous Aussie coaches were Dav Whatmore, Bruce Yardley and John Dyson. Dyson received a package of US Dollars 98,000 per year, while Moody's remuneration package (which also includes a house and vehicle) is understood to be in the region of US Dollars 150,000 to US Dollars 180,000 (roughly between Rs 12 1/2 lakhs to Rs 15 lakhs per month). The 39-year-old Australian takes over his two-year contract on June 18 which continues upto end of May, 2007. He has represented his country in only eight Tests, but has 76 One-Day Internationals under his belt, including two World Cups in 1987 and 1999. Before his arrival in Colombo on Wednesday, Moody, underwent an interview with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) together with a former Australian captain Greg Chappell. The latter was appointed as the now Indian coach taking over from John Wright the New Zealander. Moody had discussions (interview to be exact) with members of SLC Interim Committee and also three former Sri Lanka captains in Michael Tissera (Sri Lanka's new Manager), Duleep Mendis (CEO of SLC) and Arjuna Ranatunga (World Cup winning captain of 1996) who is also the Deputy Minister of Tourism in the UPFA government, who also heads the high powered Cricket Committee of SLC Interim Committee. He replaced Aravinda de Silva, another former top Sri Lanka batsman, who was also replaced in the ICC's Cricket Committee by Ranatunga. De Silva also resigned as Vice-President of SLC. Later on Wednesday, Moody, also met Lalith Kaluperuma (chief selector), Anura Tennekoon (manager of Sri Lanka 'A' side). The Australian made a presentation to the Lankan administrators, who were impressed and hired the Australian. Moody said he was involved with modern technology during his five-year stint as Director of Cricket at Worcestorshire the English County, and that he will be introducing "some of them" to Sri Lanka. He said that this was the first occasion he was involved in coaching an international side and was happy that this country was in the subcontinent. He also said that he has the experience with Asian players and looking forward to work in Sri Lanka, and was honoured to be its coach and also looks forward to take the game in this country to new heights. Continuing, Moody said that he had contact with some Sri Lanka players in England and his main focus will be for a successful World Cup campaign in 2007 in the West Indies and also a Test ranking among the top three. He said that he will be meeting senior players of the Sri Lanka side when he returns to Colombo in mid June to take up his appointment and discuss with them their future and targets and set "reasonably high standards". He also revealed that he is keen on an assistant coach, and the role that this person will play. He wants to review the various squads now in operation in Sri Lanka and that he has the knowledge to develop them further. Moody also said that he will oversee all areas of coaching and that the captain and coach should continue with their close rapport with the selectors, which is "very important". He will also keep a close eye on the Sri Lanka 'A' and Sri Lanka under-19 sides too. Triphone Mirando, Secretary of SLC's Interim Committee, said that Tom Moody will revamp the coaching structure (if needed) and will work closely with the selectors, Michael Tissera, Anura Tennekoon and SLC's Cricket Committee. He hoped that everyone will work towards the betterment of Sri Lanka cricket and that Sri Lanka will emerge champions in both versions of the game (Test and One-Day). He also said that the Interim Committee will give "deep thought" for an assistant coach too, in the very near future. Among the others who were present at SLC headquarter's on Thursday were
Jayantha Dharmadasa (Chairman of the Interim Committee) Adel Hashim and
Michael Tissera, while a notable absentee was Rienzaie Wijetilleke, who is
also a member of the Interim Committee, who headed this body some years
back. |
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