Former Sri Lanka Cricket Coach Bruce Yardley has died in Australia, at the age of 71, after a prolonged battle with cancer. 

Yardley, a former Australian spinner, served as the head coach of the Sri Lankan national cricket team during the period between 1996 and 1998. 

He steadfastly defended Muttiah Muralitharan when the latter's bowling action came under question in Australia in the mid-90s. 

Yardley played in 33 Tests and seven ODIs from 1978 to 1983, taking 126 Test wickets. 

His last Test was played in Kandy, Sri Lanka, in April 1983.