Mahela Jayawardene in talks over short-term England coaching role

The England and Wales Cricket Board has begun talks with former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene over a role as a short-term batting consultant.

England will play three Tests plus series in both limited-overs formats against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates starting in October.

They want input from Jayawardene, 38, at the start of the tour in addition to regular batting coach Mark Ramprakash.

Jayawardene made 25,957 international runs before retiring this year.

"We have had some initial conversations around a possible short-term role at the start of the UAE tour - given his familiarity with the conditions," said an ECB spokesman.

"Nothing has been agreed at this stage."

-bbc