Moody undecided, but SLC confident of retaining coach

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is confident of retaining their Coach Tom Moody and extending his contract for a few more years despite speculation that the former Australian Cricketer will leave the island after his contract ends May.

Tom Moody

Speaking to The Sunday Times earlier this week the Chief Executive Officer of SLC Duleep Mendis said ” We spoke to Tom on Tuesday, soon after certain media reports stated that he is returning to Western Australia and he (Tom) vehemently denied these reports and assured us that nothing of that sort was discussed or finalized”. According to Mendis, Moody re-iterated that his focus is right now on the World Cup and he will discuss matters on his future with SLC soon after the World Cup.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene has acknowledged the important role that Tom Moody has played since taking over in June 2005 and hopes that the Australian will remain with the Sri Lanka team.

.Jayawardene was quoted recently saying "Tom has been brilliant for us, He' has brought something different to the side and we' have flourished. I don't have to tell the (Sri Lanka] board) that. They know how valuable Tom is to us and I am sure SLC will do everything in their power to keep him."

When asked why SLC did not finalize negotiations with Moody with regard to the renewal of his contract before the ongoing World Cup Mendis said, “Infact we sat down with Tom before the World cup to discuss his future, however he refused to talk on the matter saying his focus is on the World Cup and he will discuss matters with the SLC only after the World Cup”.

According to a high ranking official of SLC Tom Moody has gelled very well with the players who are of the view that the soft spoken Australian should continue as coach. However Moody’s decision on his future is expected to be influenced by his family that is currently living in England. He has been mooted as a contender for Duncan Fletcher's job, although the England coach has not publicly considered stepping down from his role despite his team's lack of success. At the start of the year Moody withdrew from the field to guide Australia and Tim Nielsen was picked to succeed John Buchanan.

With the Sri Lanka team giving a very satisfactory performance in the current World Cup and the captain and players expressing confidence in Tom Moody it will be up to SLC to negotiate a fresh contract if he is agreeable to stay on. However it is certain that Moody will request for an increase in his remuneration! How much more will the SLC agree to invest in a coach who has already delivered results is something that the SLC will have to decide.