Moody arrives in Sri Lanka

Tom Moody, who signed a two-year contract that will lead up to the next World Cup, arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday evening to take over as the country's new cricket coach, succeeding his countryman, John Dyson, who had shepherded the side for the past two seasons. Moody's first assignment will be a Test series against West Indies - thumped 3-0 last time they toured the island.

Speaking to the media after his arrival, Moody - who was pipped to the Indian job by Greg Chappell - said: "I am really thrilled to be here now and I'm looking forward to the challenge of coaching a very talented team."

Several of Sri Lanka's leading players, including Sanath Jayasuriya, are abroad at the moment, playing for English counties or fulfilling other commitments, but most will arrive back in time for a four-day camp that starts on July 1. Moody will consult Marvan Atapattu, the captain, and senior cricket officials, as he readies for the arrival of the West Indies team in mid-July.

"I first need to speak to the captain, the players and then formulate my plans for the future," said Moody, speaking to Reuters. "It is important for me to familiarise myself with the A team players as well as the Test side."

The Sri Lankan A team will clash with their West Indian counterparts later this month, giving Moody an opportunity to eye up the second rung of talent. Moody will also spend the time to seek out a fitness trainer and an assistant coach.

Having targetted the 2007 World Cup and more overseas victories, Moody has also been entrusted with the task of reforming the coaching structures in place across the island. "Sri Lanka is full of talent and we are well-poised in the one-day rankings at present," he said. "But it is the build-up to the 2007 World Cup that is important and we need to build a side that has a genuine chance of winning that tournament."