Ahead of India tour and Twenty20 WC, Surrey's Graham Ford named Sri Lanka coach

Colombo: Graham Ford will return for his second stint as Sri Lankan cricket's chief coach ahead of their three-match T20I series against India in February.

The South African Graham Ford will replace former opener Marvan Atapattu, who quit from his position almost five months back. 

The news was confirmed by England's county side Surrey through a formal press release on their official website.

Sad to say that Head Coach Graham Ford is leaving the club to become the new Head Coach of @OfficialSLC DETAILS: https://t.co/aRPTiUHuOb

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) January 28, 2016

Under Ford's supervision, Surrey were promoted to the First Division of the County Championship and made the final of the Royal London One Day Cup in 2015.

“We are extremely disappointed to be losing Graham Ford who has not just been an outstanding Head Coach but has played an integral role in the progress that we have achieved over the last two years,” said director of Cricket Alec Stewart.

"It was a very tough decision for Graham to leave Surrey but we understand that the opportunity to go back and coach at International level with Sri Lanka was too good to turn down,” the former England skipper further added.

Ford had earlier coach Sri Lanka for two years starting from 2012.

According to sources, Ford's contract will run upto 2019 World Cup in England.

Sri Lanka on Thursday announced their 15-member squad for the series against India, handing a surprise comeback to pacer Dilhara Fernando.

(With Agency inputs)