Sri Lanka was once a fortress for every touring nation but now the hosts’ have lost an ODI series with one game yet to be played. Sri Lanka head coach, Marvan Atapattu shared his views to the media after the 4th ODI loss.
“As a team, we were very disappointing in all three departments, batting, bowling and fielding. Fielding is our main concern. We will have to rectify all our mistakes quickly.“Atapattu said.
Sri Lanka’s bowling lacked penetration and this was rather a similar attack which won them many games in the recent past, “There is no issue with fitness. It is all about execution. They did not bowl well to a plan in certain times, especially Malinga. We haven’t been able to take more than 6 wickets in an innings apart of Kandy. “ Atapattu further added.
Sri Lanka captain also made his comments after the devastating loss in the 4th ODI, “Total was not enough after the start we got. We kept losing wickets but it was a fighting score, yet it was not enough. We need to play positive cricket and get out of thits hole we have dug ourselves in.”
Sri Lanka opted to play two left-arm spin bowling all-rounders and Atapattu justified the selection, “Milinda showed lot of maturity for his age. They will have to learn more and it will take time. Both of them played good knocks with the bat and that is encouraging for us“
Pakistan batsman played the Lankan spinners successfully throughout the tour, “They used their feet excellently against our spinners and played them comfortably. It is one of the main reasons for them to win both Test and ODI series’.” Atapattu said.
Skipper Angelo Mathews was criticized by many for his captaincy skills but his coach had different thoughts, “Angelo is turning out to be an experienced captain and he has all the skills to become an inspirational skipper. He will get better with time to come. “
Sri Lanka suffered another blow to their misfiring bowling attack when Nuwan Pradeep was ruled out of the final ODI with a hamstring injury and Marvan said the replacement will be notified soon.
Sri Lanka must definitely win the final game to save their pride though it will be dead rubber in Hambanthota on 26th Sunday.
