New Delhi: After head coach and his assistant’s departure, it’s time for Sri Lanka’s fielding coach Anton Roux to step down. Roux wrote on social media that he resigned on August 14 and has only a week left of his notice period.
He is the third member of the coaching staff who has quit in recent times after head coach Chris Silverwood and batting coach Mahela Jayawardene after poor outings in the ODI and T20 World Cups.
Former opener Sanath Jayasuriya has taken over as the interim head coach and in his first assignment they beat India in an ODI series 2-0 at home. They then lost 1-2 to England away in a three match Test series.
Former coach of the Netherlands cricket team, Roux said though he thoroughly enjoyed his time with the Sri Lankan but realised it’s time to move on.
“On the 14th of August 2024, I decided to step down from my role as the National Fielding Coach for Sri Lanka Cricket. This week will be my last with SLC as I finish my handover,” former South African first-class cricketer Roux wrote on social media platform X.
“It has been an immense honour and a truly humbling experience to serve the Sri Lankan national cricket team. I will forever cherish the memories and experiences that came with this journey.”
This week will be my last with SLC. It’s been an honour and a dream come true to coach this team. Grateful for the unforgettable moments, including winning the 2022 Asia T20 Cup. Sri Lanka will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you. 🙏 #SriLankaCricket #Gratitude pic.twitter.com/4levQ2XqJA
— Anton Roux (@_anton_roux) September 11, 2024
Happy memories
Roux joined the Sri Lankan team as the fielding coach in March 2022. Their eight-wicket win over England in the third Test at the Oval was his final international game in his job.
It was Sri Lanka’s first Test win in England in a decade and Roux was glad to be leaving on a winning note.
“Witnessing the resilience and unity of the Sri Lankan people during times of crisis, especially during the incredible series win against Australia on home soil, was a testament to what this nation, and team, can achieve when it comes together. The electric atmosphere, the passion of the fans, and the triumphs on the field will remain etched in my memory,” Roux wrote on LinkedIn.
He pointed put that reaching two Asia Cup finals, and winning the 2022 Asia T20 Cup, was a spectacular achievement that demonstrated the true potential of this team. Bringing that trophy to Sri Lanka and seeing the joy it brought to the fans is something Roux said he will cherish for a long time.
“I also had the privilege of spending a short period of time with the Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team, and I was deeply impressed by their hunger to learn, passion to play and compete, and their athletic ability in the field.
“They have grown from strength to strength and have become a beacon of hope and inspiration for women in Sri Lanka. Their progress has been remarkable, and I have no doubt that they will continue to achieve great things in the future,” he said.
Anton Roux wrote on social media that he resigned as Sri Lanka’s fielding coach on August 14 and will be leaving after a week. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
