Two Ex-South Africa Coaches Mickey Arthur, Ray Jennings Eye Sri Lanka Job

Former South African coaches Mickey Arthur and Ray Jennings are reportedly in fray to become the chief coach of the Sri Lankan cricket team. Former opener and captain Marvan Atapattu in currently the stand-in coach.

Reports say 10 top coaches have applied for the job after Sri Lanka Cricket advertised for the position in its website. August 10 was the last date for applications. Sri Lanka are aiming to find replacements for coach Paul Farbrace, fielding coach Ruwan Kalpage and trainer Darshan Weerasinghe. (Also read: Mahela Jayawardene - the prolific scorer - gets set to bid adieu)

Atapattu, who filled in when Farbrace quit in April, hasn't applied according to SLC officials. "Marvan has still not applied for the post," said SLC CEO Ashley de Silva said. (Can Pakistan tame Sri Lankan lions?)

"Normally when a post is advertised you are supposed to apply, but Marvan has already done that earlier and because he is already in the system he may not have applied. Some have applied to become head coach and others as consultant. We have to sort them out by next week," said De Silva.

Apart from Arthur and Jennings, a third and prominent South African is also in fray. Reports say former all-rounder Lance Klusener has applied. Arthur and Jennings are experienced coaches and should be front-runners.

The 46-year-old Arthur coached the South African national side from May 2005 to 2010. Working alongside now retired skipper Graeme Smith, Arthur scored some stunning wins, including a series victories in England and Australia. Arthur became Australian coach too but after an unimpressive run, he was sacked ahead of the 2013 Ashes series.

Jennings is quite familiar with sub-continental conditions. The 60-year-old is a regular with Indian Premier League team Royal Challengers Bangalore. Jennings became South Africa coach in October 2004 before being replaced by Arthur.