Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has appointed former captain Sanath Jayasuriya as the interim head coach of the men’s national team for the forthcoming series against India and England, reports Lankan media.

Sri Lanka are fired up to fight against rivals Bangladesh in their strongest format when their one-day international series begins this week, coach Chris Silverwood said Tuesday.

Sri Lanka head coach Chris Silverwood tipped his side as favourites against Bangladesh in the three-match T20I series, starting today in Sylhet.

The 20-year-old, dubbed "Baby Malinga" for his copycat style of compatriot Lasith Malinga's unorthodox action, has only played 10 ODIs and one T20 but is tipped to be amongst the tournament's breakout stars.

"Sometimes a bit of a kick up the rear end is not the worst thing going into a World Cup," Silverwood told reporters.

The Tigers take on Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday in a must-win match to keep their hopes high of reaching the final, after they lost their Super Four opener to Pakistan