Snape, will begin his work on November 25 and is due to stay with the team until December 11. Sri Lanka's record at recent World Cups had been a catalyst for the decision to sign a sports psychologist. A pattern of under-performance in major finals had developed between 2007 and 2012, in which time Sri Lanka were runners-up in four global events. Though the team has since won the 2014 World T20, the board has hired Snape with a view to buttressing the 2015 World Cup campaign.

An offspinning-allrounder in his playing career, Snape played 10 ODIs and a T20I for England, in addition to 121 first-class matches. He has a masters degree in sports psychology, and has worked with England, South Africa, as well as teams in the IPL and Big Bash League. (KH)