Don't think Paul Farbrace's exit will affect us: Mahela Jayawardene

Mahela Jayawardene played down the departure of Paul Farbace

After the exit of Paul Farbrace, Sri Lanka Cricket is now headed by coach Marvan Atapattu for their tour to England-Ireland in May this year. However, SLC has much to be thankful to Paul Farbrace for. Under him, they have won the Asia Cup, World T20 and 17 of their last 18 international matches.

However, at his departure to England, Mahela Jayawardene admits that his team would not be affected by the move. “We just have to adapt to the conditions and keep challenging ourselves to do well. I honestly don’t think that’s going to affect us,” he told Daily Mirror.

“The team had been together for a long time and we became number one team (in world rankings) before Paul came along. So it’s been a gradual process. We worked with Graham (Ford) for two years and things were in place. Personnel and individual players chosen and all that”, said Jayawardene, who will be playing for his fifth England tour.

Accepting the departure of Farbrace, the right-hand batsman said, “We’ve got Marvan and the coaches who have been with us for the last two-three years. So there is continuity, which is great.”

The 36-year-old went on to appreciate former England player Chris Adam’s role as the team consultant for the England tour. “He will be a good addition to us. Just to get insight of how the wickets are playing, how the conditions are and for us to keep someone in our corner.”