Sri Lanka praise Moody

Tom Moody had an excellent relationship with his players as Sri Lanka coach © Getty Images

The secretary of Sri Lanka Cricket has paid tribute to outgoing coach Tom Moody, praising the Australian's effort in taking the team to its current level.

Moody, who had a contract until the end of May, revealed on Monday that he will not be renewing his current deal and will instead be returning to his homeland to take on a new assignment to coach Western Australia for the next three years.

Despite admitting that losing the former Australia batsman as coach was a blow, Kangadaran Madivanan was grateful for his services over the past two years - a period which culminated in Sri Lanka finishing runners-up to Australia in the 2007 World Cup.

“It`s really a shame that we will not have Tom Moody with us to continue the good work he has started,” said Madivanan. “We will really miss his services.

“He worked very hard to build up the team and he had an excellent relationship with both Sri Lanka Cricket officials as well as the players. We do respect his decision and want to wish him all the best.”

The 41-year-old, who played eight Test matches and 76 one-day internationals for Australia, will still be consulted by the Sri Lankan board and is due to be drafted in to help with a decision over his successor.

“The good thing is he has told us of his availability if we need any advice or his service for a short stint,” continued Madivanan.

“We also want to have a chat with him to get an idea as to whom we could look at for this important role.

“With regards to the Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka in all probability Trevor Penny should take over as a temporary arrangement before a more permanent appointment is made,” added the secretary.

Sri Lanka are due to play Pakistan in three one-day internationals in Abu Dhabi later this month, before a home series against Bangladesh in June.