RICHARD EARL, CRICKET WRITER
June 27, 2007 02:15am
FORMER Australian batsman Greg Blewett has ruled out becoming assistant to Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss - for now.
Blewett, 35, said he was surprised to read reports connecting him and former South African batsman Jonty Rhodes with Sri Lanka's coaching panel.
Former Sri Lanka paceman Rumesh Ratnayake last week rejected Sri Lanka Cricket's offer to assist Bayliss - prompting speculation about 46-Test batsman Blewett's intentions.
"I saw my name pop up on the internet but I certainly haven't been contacted by Sri Lanka," said Blewett from London, where he is playing for Lashings club.
Blewett retired from first-class cricket last month despite having a season to complete on his three-deal deal with South Australia.
Instead, SACA offered Blewett a two-year role as a high-performance batting mentor assisting batting head coach Kim Harris.
Blewett suspects Bayliss might have dropped his name to Sri Lankan officials but would consider any offers forwarded.
"I was the overseas pro at Kent when Trevor came over on a coaching exchange from New South Wales," Blewett said.
"I get on pretty well with Trevor so I don't know if he has put my name forward.
"Anyone would like to know what a job is about first before making a decision. I'd definitely give it some consideration."
However, Blewett remains committed to a television commentary role with Fox-Sport and to reviving the fortunes of SA's struggling batsmen.
"At the moment I am committed to commentary for a few years. In between I want to knuckle down and help the SA boys and see where both those things lead," Blewett said.
"Coaching was never a goal of mine but as time goes by it appeals to me a bit more.
"As with anything you have to do your apprenticeship which is what I plan to do with the Redbacks."
SA coach Mark Sorell doesn't expect to be recruiting another batting coach this season.
"Obviously you would imagine it would take him out of the equation for doing anything with us if he was away with Sri Lanka the whole time," said Sorell.
"We will wait and see what happens and to hear from Greg."
Meanwhile, Tom Moody is not looking for any international cricket coaching assignments in the near future after returning to Western Australia from a successful stint with Sri Lanka.
The ex-international allrounder was touted as a candidate for several high-profile international jobs, but said he turned them down so his young family could live in Perth
June 27, 2007 02:15am
FORMER Australian batsman Greg Blewett has ruled out becoming assistant to Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss - for now.
Blewett, 35, said he was surprised to read reports connecting him and former South African batsman Jonty Rhodes with Sri Lanka's coaching panel.
Former Sri Lanka paceman Rumesh Ratnayake last week rejected Sri Lanka Cricket's offer to assist Bayliss - prompting speculation about 46-Test batsman Blewett's intentions.
"I saw my name pop up on the internet but I certainly haven't been contacted by Sri Lanka," said Blewett from London, where he is playing for Lashings club.
Blewett retired from first-class cricket last month despite having a season to complete on his three-deal deal with South Australia.
Instead, SACA offered Blewett a two-year role as a high-performance batting mentor assisting batting head coach Kim Harris.
Blewett suspects Bayliss might have dropped his name to Sri Lankan officials but would consider any offers forwarded.
"I was the overseas pro at Kent when Trevor came over on a coaching exchange from New South Wales," Blewett said.
"I get on pretty well with Trevor so I don't know if he has put my name forward.
"Anyone would like to know what a job is about first before making a decision. I'd definitely give it some consideration."
However, Blewett remains committed to a television commentary role with Fox-Sport and to reviving the fortunes of SA's struggling batsmen.
"At the moment I am committed to commentary for a few years. In between I want to knuckle down and help the SA boys and see where both those things lead," Blewett said.
"Coaching was never a goal of mine but as time goes by it appeals to me a bit more.
"As with anything you have to do your apprenticeship which is what I plan to do with the Redbacks."
SA coach Mark Sorell doesn't expect to be recruiting another batting coach this season.
"Obviously you would imagine it would take him out of the equation for doing anything with us if he was away with Sri Lanka the whole time," said Sorell.
"We will wait and see what happens and to hear from Greg."
Meanwhile, Tom Moody is not looking for any international cricket coaching assignments in the near future after returning to Western Australia from a successful stint with Sri Lanka.
The ex-international allrounder was touted as a candidate for several high-profile international jobs, but said he turned them down so his young family could live in Perth
