Sri Lanka on Saturday appointed former Australian cricketer Steve Rixon as their fielding coach as part of preparations for the 2019 World Cup in England.

The 64-year-old starts his job later this month and will join the team in New Zealand where Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two Tests, three ODIs and one Twenty20, starting December 15. The Lions will also play two Tests in Australia from January 24.

“We are happy to welcome Steve into the team,” Sri Lanka cricket CEO Ashley de Silva said.

“I am sure he will be able to help the team moving forward, with his expertise in the area of fielding which is a vital component of the game.”

De Silva said Rixon will work with the national team until the end of the 2019 World Cup.

Sri Lanka have been struggling on and off the field. They lost home ODI and Test series to England while being engulfed in controversy.

Former international bowler Nuwan Zoysa was suspended by the International cricket Council in October after he was accused of “corrupt conduct”.

Earlier, former captain and chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya was charged for failing to cooperate with a match-fixing probe.