Fielding coach Shane McDermott ‘‘sidelined’’ for England tour

By Bipin Dani

Sri Lanka’s national fielding coach Shane McDermott has been “sidelined” for the upcoming tour of England, it is learnt. 

According to sources in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Manoj Abeywickrama will continue to be the fielding coach on the England tour. 

McDermott had sought a short-break before the Bangladesh tour to prepare himself for the big tour of England and Abeywickrama was sent in as his replacement. 

McDermott may now be assigned to prepare a home “A” team for the proposed series against Pakistan. However, owing to the COVID-19 health situation in the country, the series is not confirmed yet. McDermott may, however, return for the home series against India. 

It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka’s fielding performance over the last few months has been excellent in the Test and ODI matches. 

Interestingly, Sajeewa Weerakoon, who went to Bangladesh as a spin bowling coach is also not considered for the England touring squad. 

Sri Lanka will be playing three ODIs and three T20I in England.