COLOMBO, April 12: Sri Lankan Cricket Board on Saturday appointed former captain Duleep Mendis as the country’s interim coach following Dav Whatmore’s early release from the contract.

The Board’s Interim Committee member Lucian Merrinnage said the former captain was best suited to do the job for the two-Test series at home against New Zealand and triangular series which also involves Pakistan.

“We believe that being a former captain, manager, chairman of selectors and strategic planner in last few tours, he (Mendis) certainly has plenty of knowledge and experience,” Merrinnage stated.

“He is no doubt one of the best suited candidates to take over coaching of the national team during this important time.”

Whatmore was released six weeks before expiry of his contract with the Cricket Board after he reportedly made a request in this regard.

“The Interim Committee has considered Dav’s position and decided to release him. We understand his concerns for the future and we certainly wish him all the best,” Merrinnage said.

“He has done a good job during his tenure as national coach of Sri Lanka and certainly formed a vital part of Sri Lankan cricket along with rest of the team.”—PPI