BAYLISS WON'T SWING THE AXE
Courtesy - SNNI

 

 

New Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss has reiterated his desire not to make drastic changes as he begins his reign with the World Cup finalists.

The Australian, who was appointed coach of the islanders in June replacing countryman Tom Moody, was formally unveiled on Monday along with assistant Paul Farbrace and trainer Jade Roberts.

Bayliss, 44, signed a two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket, but had to wait just over two months to take up the role while serving out his notice period at New South Wales.

He has now arrived in Colombo and aims to "fine tune" the work done by his predecessor Moody.

"The opportunity to coach a successful international team like Sri Lanka was no contest," he said. "I assure you that not much will change as we both think very much on the same lines.

"Maybe we will fine tune it where it is needed."

Bayliss played over 50 first-class games for New South Wales but has become more recognised since retiring, with his coaching methods making him one of the most respected tacticians Down Under having guided his state to back-to-back domestic titles.

He said: "The reason for taking this assignment was to be competitive at the highest level."

His first task will be to lead Sri Lanka's challenge at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa next month.

"The Twenty20 assignment is going to be a tough one for the guys as they haven't played much of that type of cricket.

"However, the style of Sri Lanka's cricketers suits the Twenty20 style and Sri Lanka is one team that plays attacking cricket. We are confident we will give a good showing.

"The guys are a great bunch, lovely people and hard trainers and very friendly."

Of Muttiah Muralitharan, Bayliss added: "I believe he is the best bowler in the world. I hope he will break the world record (for Test wickets) in the next two Tests in Australia."