Colombo: Sri Lanka Cricket has announced the appointment of two key coaching positions, aiming to fortify their national team’s capabilities. Julian Wood has been named the National Batting Coach, and Dr. Rene Ferdinands has been appointed as the National Spin Bowling Coach. These appointments are poised to introduce innovative training methodologies and deepen the technical skills within the national squads.

According to Sri Lanka Cricket, Julian Wood will take on the role of National Batting Coach for a one-year term starting from October 1, 2025. Wood is recognized for his creation of the ‘Power Hitting Program,’ which combines traditional cricket techniques with modern training practices and biomechanics to enhance batting power. His extensive coaching experience includes stints with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and various county cricket clubs such as Gloucestershire, Hampshire, and Middlesex, as well as the IPL team Punjab Kings. Earlier this year, Wood conducted a specialized training pro
gram for Sri Lanka’s national squads, aiding their preparation for international competitions, including the current ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

Dr. Rene Ferdinands, who holds a PhD in biomechanics from the University of Waikato, is set to commence his tenure as the National Spin Bowling Coach on September 30, 2025. Ferdinands is acclaimed for his scientific approach to cricket coaching, having previously worked with the National Cricket Academy of India where he implemented biomechanics-based training for elite players. His expertise extends to wrist and finger spin, and he has served as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket. Ferdinands will engage in a two-year term with Sri Lanka Cricket, focusing on spin bowling training and performance evaluation, drawing on his experience with various cricket clubs across Australia.