Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford was unhappy with his side’s performance against New Zealand’s fast bowlers in the Test series, saying he’d hoped they would be further along in their ability to play something other than spin.
The Black Caps drew the two-match series with a win in Colombo, thanks in large part to Tim Southee’s effort with the ball. The paceman took a five-fer and then four more in the second innings, while Trent Boult took seven scalps in the game.
Ford is now worried that the showing against the Kiwis, who while decent are not top of the lists, does not bode well for the tour to Australia later this month. The Aussies have a wealth of pace talent, including Mitchell Starc, who is in great form.
The coach said: “I was hoping that we would have a very good Test series against New Zealand which would be a fantastic way of preparing for the Australia series particularly as they have a useful seam outfit.
“If we could pass the test against this seam bowling we would know we were in quite a good position to take on Australia. Unfortunately we didn’t really pass the test with flying colours although there were quite a few batsmen that showed some decent form.
“I was hoping for a lot better than that but there were signs that we were starting to find our feet against pace, but what we are really gaining out of it (we had a chat about it as well) was that we now realise that we are not quite ready for the Australians.
“Once we get there the work that we do is going to be very intense. We are going to have to practise outside our comfort zone so that we are ready for what they are going to throw at us.”
Sri Lanka have never won a Test Down Under in 10 attempts and Ford hopes that the upcoming tour, which will see three Tests played, will see that duck broken. Ford hopes that the match in Sydney will be the one that spins his side’s way.
He continued: “The one thing that we have chatted a bit about it is winning a Test in Australia. It’s an enormous challenge and it’s an exciting challenge. The focus of all the cricketing fans in the world is going to be on those Test matches, so it’s a huge opportunity. That will serve us as a lot of motivation as well.
“Traditionally Sydney is the one that the spinners have played a big part. With spin being one of our strengths that’s an opportunity. But our seam bowlers have worked very hard recently and are really trying to get their skills going.
“If there is a little bit of sideways movement on the surface at Hobart our seam bowlers could really have an impact on the game. History tells you that Sydney is the ground that we most likely would get a win.
“Coming off a loss to New Zealand at home where the seam bowlers caused problems it makes it look as if we are quite a long way away. Cricket is a funny game and if the boys are really up for the fight and they are able to tighten up a little bit in terms of a few aspects we know we have to work on, who knows what can be achieved.
“Australia are playing really good cricket, very dominant at the moment they have put up good performances in their home conditions. I hope our boys really get their teeth into it and make some history.”
