Sri Lanka Cricket names Julian Wood and Dr. Rene Ferdinands as new national coaches to strengthen batting and spin departments.
Sri Lanka Cricket Announces New Coaching Appointments
Sri Lanka Cricket has officially confirmed two major additions to its national coaching staff, aimed at enhancing player development and on-field performance.
Julian Wood Appointed as National Batting Coach
Renowned batting specialist Julian Wood has been named the National Batting Coach for a one-year term starting from October 1, 2025. Wood is best known for creating the innovative Power Hitting Program, a modern training approach that blends traditional cricketing skills with biomechanics and advanced physical conditioning to help players maximize their hitting ability.
Over the years, Wood has contributed his expertise to several top cricketing institutions, including the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Middlesex, and the Indian Premier League. Earlier in 2025, he also conducted a high-performance training camp with Sri Lanka’s national squads, focusing on improving their power-hitting techniques ahead of key international tournaments such as the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Dr. Rene Ferdinands Appointed as National Spin Bowling Coach
Meanwhile, Dr. Rene Ferdinands has been appointed as the National Spin Bowling Coach, effective from September 30, 2025. Holding a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, Dr. Ferdinands brings a unique blend of science and cricket expertise to the role.
He previously collaborated with the National Cricket Academy of India (NCA), where he implemented biomechanics-based coaching programs to improve player efficiency and reduce injury risks. His vast experience also includes consultancy work for New Zealand Cricket and coaching roles at several Australian clubs, including Eastern Suburbs, UTS North Sydney, Hawkesbury, and Sydney University Cricket Club.
During his two-year contract with Sri Lanka Cricket, Dr. Ferdinands will focus on developing spin-bowling strategies, match preparation, performance analysis, and nurturing young talent for future international competitions.
Strengthening the Future of Sri Lankan Cricket
These appointments highlight Sri Lanka Cricket’s ongoing commitment to integrating modern coaching science and technology into its national programs. With experts like Wood and Ferdinands onboard, the board aims to elevate both batting power and spin mastery at the international level.
Source: Sri Lanka Cricket Official Announcement