Colombo, Aug 13: Despite injuries to some of their key pacers, they recently shocked a near full strength Indian ODI side by winning the three match series 2-0.
That was their first series win against formidable Indians in last 27 years. Indeed, Sri Lanka are on a high after their triumphant finish to the ODI games against India at home.
Now as they plan to do well in England, they have roped in one of the best English batters Ian Bell as their batting coach for the England tour. The news was confirmed by CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, Ashley De Silva on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka will play three Tests in England and the first Test will begin on August 21 at Old Trafford. The Second Test will start on August 29 and the final match is scheduled to begin from September 6.
As per the contract, Bell will start working with Sri Lanka team on August 16 and will stay with the travelling squad until the conclusion of the series.
Ian Bell is one of the finest players to have represent England at international stage. He has played in 118 Test matches and scored 7,727 runs at an average of 42.69, scoring 22 centuries during that time.
However, Sri Lanka team is learnt to have raised security concerns with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) amid the ongoing anti-immigrant riots in Britain, with players requesting increased security ahead of its upcoming Test series, reports revealed.
