Colombo, Aug 14: Sri Lanka Cricket has named former English cricketer Ian Bell as the batting coach for their upcoming three-match Test series against England, the board announced on Tuesday.
Bell is set to join the squad on August 16 and will remain with the team throughout the tour.
Ashley De Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, remarked, “Ian’s appointment brings valuable local knowledge to the team. His extensive experience in English conditions will be crucial for our players on this important tour.”
A seasoned cricketer, Bell played in 118 Tests for England, amassing 7,727 runs at an average of 42.69, including 22 centuries.
In other news, Sri Lanka, fresh off a historic 2-0 ODI series win against India—their first in 27 years—has raised security concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) due to ongoing anti-immigrant riots in Britain. The Sri Lankan team has requested heightened security measures, particularly in Manchester, where the first Test is scheduled to begin on August 21 at Old Trafford.