Moody leaves Sri Lanka to coach Western Australia

PERTH,  AUSTRALIA: Tom Moody has quit as coach of Sri Lanka's cricket squad to take over at Western Australia next season, the WA Cricket Association said here on Monday.

WACA president Dennis Lillee said Moody, a former Australian international cricketer, will take over coaching Western Australia on July 1.

Moody, who led Sri Lanka to the World Cup final where they lost to Australia last month, met with Sri Lankan cricket officials on Monday to inform them that he would not be taking up their offer to continue coaching there.

In Colombo, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed that Moody was leaving at the end of his contract this month, for 'personal and family commitments'.

"Sri Lanka Cricket regrets that Tom Moody has to leave our services and (we) respect his decision," SLC said in a statement.

Moody was quoted in the cricket board release saying that parting company was a "difficult decision given the strong relationships built between Sri Lanka Cricket and myself."

"However, I would be more than happy to assist in whichever way I possibly can for the continuous success of Sri Lanka Cricket."

The board's spokesman, Samanth Algama, said Sri Lanka Cricket was grateful for Moody's "valuable contribution to the success of the national team and Sri Lanka Cricket during his tenure."

Moody will return to the Australian state where he began his first-class career in 1985-86, taking over the post vacated by Wayne Clark at the end of last southern summer.

Reports said Moody would receive a salary from the WACA similar to Clark's, but it would be topped up by a sponsorship deal with Indian industrialist Vikas Rambal, who lives in Perth. It is believed to be the first exclusive sponsorship deal of its type in Australia.

WACA chief executive Graeme Wood said securing Moody was a coup.

"We have been able to secure an internationally-respected mentor with an impeccable record and in the prime of his coaching career," Wood said.

Moody's contract with Sri Lanka ends on May 31.

Before then, he is due to tour Abu Dhabi with the team for a one-day international series with Pakistan.

The former Worcestershire all-rounder was appointed Sri Lanka's national coach in 2005, succeeding compatriot John Dyson.

Under Moody's coaching, the Sri Lankans have had a remarkable run overseas.

They wiped out England 5-0 in a one-day series while drawing the Test series 1-1 in 2006, and earlier this year drew 1-1 in Tests in New Zealand.

Lillee said Moody would also bring Trevor Penney, his assistant at Sri Lanka, to be his deputy in Perth.