Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed Julian Wood as the national team’s new batting coach on a one-year contract, effective from 1 October.
Wood, known for his power-hitting coaching expertise, previously worked briefly with the Bangladesh national team before the Asia Cup, earning praise from players for improving their hitting abilities.
He is the creator of the ‘Power Hitting Programme’ and is widely recognised for using modern training techniques and biomechanics to enhance players’ power and performance at the crease.
Wood’s extensive coaching experience includes roles with the England and Wales Cricket Board, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Middlesex, and the Indian Premier League franchise Punjab Kings.
Earlier this year, he also led a specialist training camp with the Sri Lanka women’s team, helping prepare them for the ICC Women’s World Cup and other international tournaments.
Alongside Wood’s appointment, Sri Lanka Cricket has also brought in Dr Rene Ferdinands as the national spin bowling coach on a two-year contract.
Wood’s return to international coaching is expected to bring fresh energy and innovation to Sri Lanka’s batting line-up as they prepare for upcoming challenges.
Alongside Wood, Dr Rene Ferdinands has been appointed as the national spin bowling coach on a two-year contract starting from 30 September. A biomechanics expert with a PhD from the University of Waikato, Ferdinands is known for applying scientific methods to improve cricket performance.
He has previously worked with India’s National Cricket Academy (NCA), where he led biomechanics-based coaching programmes for elite players and coaches. Ferdinands has also served as a biomechanics consultant for New Zealand Cricket, focusing on performance analysis and injury prevention among bowlers.
Specialising in both wrist and finger spin, he brings a wealth of experience, having coached at clubs such as Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, UTS North Sydney Cricket Club, Hawkesbury Cricket Club, and Sydney University Cricket Club.
During his tenure with Sri Lanka Cricket, Ferdinands will lead spin bowling training, match preparation, performance analysis, and player development initiatives.
