Sri Lanka appointed Australian Tom Moody as their national team coach on Wednesday.

Moody, director of cricket with English county Worcestershire, has signed a two-year contract that takes him through to the 2007 World Cup.

"Tom made a fantastic presentation and it was a unanimous decision that he should be Sri Lanka's next coach until 31 May 2007 -- we are all delighted," Board secretary Tryphon Mirando said.

Moody replaces fellow-Australian John Dyson, who finished a 20-month contract with Sri Lanka Cricket in April.

Moody had been on the shortlist for the job of India national coach but the post went to former Australia captain Greg Chappell.

The 39-year old Moody played eight Tests for Australia but was a more frequent member of their one-day squad, scoring 1211 runs and taking 52 wickets in 76 One-Day Internationals.

Moody's first series will be a two-Test home series against West Indies, due to start on July 15.