SLC appoints Steve Rixon as fielding coach up to World Cup

by Champika Fernando
Sri Lanka has roped in Steve Rixon as fielding coach up to the World Cup in England next year. 

The former Australian cricketer who has played 13 Tests and six One Day Internationals was Pakistan’s will take over from current coach Manoj Abeywickrema from December 24.

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Abeywickrema will return to Sri Lanka from New Zealand, no sooner, Rixon takes up the job. Sri Lanka currently in New Zealand and will play two Tests, three ODIs and a T20I before heading to Australia for a two-match Test series. 
Rixon is highly rated internationally and within the Sri Lanka team, having coached New Zealand as well as domestic teams in Australia and teams in the Indian Cricket League and the Indian Premier League. He last served as the fielding coach of the Pakistan side before resigning mid-this year due to differences with the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Sri Lanka’s fielding has take a sever beating in recent years and many belive Rixon--the former Assistant coach of the Australian side could help fix the issues.

Rixon was approached by Sri Lanka Cricket in 2013 to be the head coach but the coach refused a contract saying the offer was ‘embarrassing’ considering the position.