Sri Lanka [ Images ] 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 [ Images ] national coach but the post went to former Australia [ Images ] 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 [ Images ], due to start on July 15.