U-19 Cricket: Roy Dias to take over Sri Lanka Under-19s

Former Sri Lanka batting great Roy Dias has been appointed the coach of the Sri Lanka Under-19 team by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). 

"The first Sri Lankan cricketer to reach 1,000 Test runs, veteran coach Roy Dias, has been appointed as the national Under-19 Coach, and will guide the stable through their forthcoming tours in England and South Africa," SLC said in an official statement.

The former Sri Lanka coach, who was also in the hot seat in Nepal and Malaysia, is an experienced campaigner and is a widely acclaimed coaching professional.

Dias, already an experienced cricketer when Sri Lanka achieved Test status, was pivotal in Sri Lanka's maiden Test victory, and series victory, over India in 1985-86. 

Dias knocked a brilliant 106, in the third Test, after scoring 50s in both innings of the previous Test, ensuring the series clinch. 

Known for his classical style and great timing, Dias scored 1285 runs in his Test career of 20 Tests and 1573 ODI runs in 58 ODIs.

"SLC's focus on youth squads to build International Cricket savvy future players, is well established with the recently concluded Super Under-19 Provincial Tournament seeing stellar performances worthy of notice, and is further cemented by the above appointments," the statement further said.