'Asia Cup not an ideal preparation for England series'

Team will face a tough challenge: Ford

Graham Ford has taken over as Sri Lanka coach at a time when the country’s cricket establishment and players are going through a tough phase. The South African, who backed out of coaching India in 2007, spoke to Deccan Herald on a variety of issues.

        
Excerpts:

On taking over as Sri Lanka coach in turbulent times: When the opportunity came for me to associate with the Sri Lankan team, I never looked at the negativity. In the short time I have been with this team, I haven’t seen the sea of negativity or problems that have been reported. I am not bothered about those reports about negatives. In fact, I have found a lot of positives to work with like the attitude of the players, and their unbelievable passion for the game.

On the difficulties of coaching a national team after a gap of 10 years: Definitely, a few things that I had to get used to and adapt to a few things. The major thing is the intensity level. I think higher the level you go, a lot of coaching is psychological. The lower you go, its more technical. At this level, it’s about getting the players to believe in their game, and fortunately this group has responded well.

On keeping Tillakaratne Dilshan in the fold after he had to quit the captaincy after the tour of South Africa: It might have been tough to relinquish captaincy but he is very proud and passionate about Sri Lankan cricket. Although he is not the captain, he is still contributing in many ways as a leader and as an example setter. He has just shown what a great person he is having given up the captaincy, and he has just got on with the business. I can’t say enough about his attitude.

On the challenges of playing the Asia Cup, and the series against England at home without break:  Most countries are finding the itinerary the toughest part. If we qualify for the Asia Cup final, we will land at home just a day ahead of the Test series against England starts. It’s hardly the ideal preparation for playing against the top Test nation in the world. We need to find a way to keep our intensity going. The guys will face a big challenge in adjusting to the sudden shift – mental and technical – from one-dayers to Test cricket.

On the decision to turn down offers to become head coach of India, England, and New Zealand:  I have turned down a few offers, and it was owing to some family circumstances at that time. It has always been in my heart to coach internationally again after quitting as South Africa coach, but unfortunately I have to consider family factors.

There had been some reports about my withdrawing from the India coaching job because of the high pressure attached to it. It’s not true. I was in the middle of a contract with Kent who had been very loyal to me and very supportive. At that time, I had a youngish family. My children are a lot older now. They and I can handle me being away from home for a long time a lot better now.

On the disappointment of letting go a golden chance to be associated with high-profile teams like India and England:  I have always believed that you need to look forward once you have made a decision. I was short-listed as the England coach, but in the end they have got a nice guy in Andy (Flower), and Gary Kirsten was the right man for India. Those two teams evolved a lot with those guys, and I have no reason to look back with regrets.
Yes, to be involved with such great players would have been an absolute dream. But now I have got some really great players in the Sri Lanka and, hopefully, it goes well.