Former Captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is currently working as the Consultant Coach of the Sri Lanka team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, has been at the forefront of certain changes to the team combinations.
Reporting exclusively from Abu Dhabi
Avishka Fernando, who is usually an opening batter, has looked in great nick batting at No. 4 ever since Sri Lanka reached the Middle-East. He made scores of 83*, 33, 62*, 61 and 30* in the five games he batted at number four
One of the reasons for Fernando to move from opening slot to number four has been his nature to start slow and the ability to catch up later on. The move has been mooted by Jayawardene, whilst the other change has been dropping flamboyant middle-order batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa to number five.
Both Fernando and Rajapaksa added 74 unbroken runs for the 4th wicket to take Sri Lanka over the line on Monday evening in Abu Dhabi, as the 2014 winners brushed aside Namibia in their campaign opener. Rajapaksa top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 42*.
“Ever-since Mahela [Jayawardene] came into the team environment, he made a few changes bringing me to number five and Avishka to number four. He also initiated the move of bringing back Pathum Nissanka to the opener’s slot. We’ve been given clear responsibilities and roles. We have had some continuity at these positions for 5-6 matches. Importance is getting consistent game time,” Bhanuka Rajapaksa told the media on Monday night.
Jayawardene, Head Coach of Indian Premier League’s most successful franchise Mumbai Indians, joined the Sri Lankan support staff following the IPL campaign in the UAE. However, he has been virtually helping out the team in decision-making and will leave the team-bubble following Round 1 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
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Known to be a master-tactician, Jayawardene’s presence in the coaching staff has already received positive feedback from all corners in Sri Lanka. Also serving the sport in the country as the Chairman of the National Sports Council, Jayawardene is sure to contribute further to Cricket as the island nation is trying to revive their limited-overs cricket prowess.
Both Head Coach Mickey Arthur and Skipper Dasun Shanaka praised Jayawardene’s presence in the team environment and all his input.
“We get a lot of help from him. He’s got a lot of experience. He analyzes not only our team, but the opposition’s weaknesses. He sees the game in a unique way. He’s already contributed a lot, and we’re looking forward to getting more from him through the tournament,” Skipper Dasun Shanaka said earlier in the week.
Arthur had this to add: “Mahela’s contributed a massive amount. One of the reasons I was so excited to work with Mahela was because I worked with him a long time ago when he was still playing in franchise Cricket, and I was struck by his ability to analyze the game exceptionally well. I think his Cricket brain is amazing. We’ve had some good chats, and some good debates.”
Sri Lanka will play Ireland on 20th October in Abu Dhabi and if they beat the Irish, they are more or less confirmed to play in the Super 12 round – the main competition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
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