Mahela Jayawardene set to start the second innings of his life

Mahela Jayawardene will join the England side as their batting consultant, according to ESPN Cricinfo. The former Sri Lankan batsman will be travelling with the English cricket team to United Arab Emirates for the Test and limited-overs series against Pakistan in October-November.

Jayawardene, being from the subcontinent, will prove as a useful guide to the English batsmen. Jayawardene though will not be a full time recruit, and would only be with them for a certain number of days. Before Jayawardene, Mushtaq Ahmed, former Pakistan spinner was England’s spin consultant.

The appointment might bring laurels to England, as in next 18 months, the English side is set to tour India, UAE and Bangladesh. Also, the 2016 World Cup is to be hosted in India, so this move makes perfect sense as the conditions are familiar to him which would be of great help for the newly formed  England batting line up.

Mahela retired earlier this year and this contract might open up several chances in the coaching field as a batting consultant or even as a coach in the future.