Sri Lanka ODI & T20 Tour Review
WHAT A GAME at the MCG. It was disappointing to see the Aussies’ reaction. Well done on Sri Lanka holding their nerve, slowing the game down at the death and winning a tight match. What a way to end the tour!
Amazingly, with so much improvement left in the Sri Lankan’s, especially with the batting, they have come away from the tour of Australia with more than half the spoils.
Yes the Test series defeat was painful, however, Sri Lanka really were the better team in the ODI’s and T20’s. With better application in periods of the Test series, the tour may have been even more successful.
The future is bright, however, leadership changes are required and not what many believe.
Game Plans
Sri Lanka proved again that they adapt and apply their game plan better than most others in the one day format. The shorter format suits them much better as they struggle to maintain the intensity required for longer periods as is required in Tests.
It’s now obvious that with the new rules of two new balls and the new field restrictions, the way to stay in the game is to pick up early wickets. Especially on the faster pitches Down Under, where the next World Cup will be played.
The pitches end up being so good that once the shine is off the ball, the spinners struggle to control or influence the game. They struggle to get grip from the pitch, reducing the wicket taking options unless you can keep making the batsmen take chances.
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The odds are totally against you. The ball gets softer but not soft enough to actually take the pace off the ball
Only by picking up early wickets can you put pressure on teams and restrict the opposition to manageable scores.
Sri Lanka’s style of play really suits the shorter forms of the game
With the good bowling options, the ability, knowledge and belief to strangle teams, Sri Lanka’s style of play really suits the shorter forms of the game.
Batting
The batting was woeful. No runs at all from the top and Jayawardene was unable to make even one significant contribution. The highest score made in the ODI series was 215. Woeful!
You just can’t expect to be competitive with that type of batting. With the initial overs being so crucial, Sri Lanka will need to battle more to get a decent start to capitalize on.
It’s not about bashing it around. It’s about building an innings. If they can keep the scoreboard ticking over, the need to produce big shots will be reduced.
The issue is, in these alien conditions, singles are hard to come by. The options are different. The ball hits the bat and passes the batsmen at a higher level than he is used to. This is obviously an area to work on.
On the brighter side, the younger brigade showed signs of promise with the bat which needs to be built upon by giving them more responsibility. Turning the strike over often will ensure innings don’t come to a stand still when pressure needs to be absorbed.
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The ANZ Stadium T20 game was always going to be tough, with batsmen struggling right through the summer on the drop in pitches. The venue produced almost all low scoring games during the BBL.
That’s where batsmen need to quickly identify and adapt to the surfaces by working hard with lots of running between the wickets to chip away at targets.
As for the Sydney ODI, I don’t even wish to comment. I just can’t understand, believe or come to terms with what happened there. Let’s move on.
Sri Lanka rightfully broke the Aussies rhythm in the dying stages. The reaction from the Aussies was disappointing
Going back to the MCG T20, Mahela finally showed his class and Thisara was dangerous, as always. Sri Lanka finally had a score to bowl at. The topsy turvy battle continued with the rain and Akhila not being allowed to settle down. Sri Lanka rightfully broke the Aussies rhythm in the dying stages. The reaction from the Aussies was disappointing and there was no reason for Sri Lanka to cop such abuse.
Bowling
The bowling was outstanding with Kula and Malinga a threat all the time, even in the death overs. Angelo was good in patches and I thought Rangana did what he could.
The bowlers mainly stuck to decent lines and lengths with Kula and Angelo moving it a bit. They are able to cause problems, especially when the ball swings. The batsmen cannot leave everything, ultimately making the batsmen play and feeling for the ball.
In the longer form of the game, leaving and solid defence will get you through those tough periods. Sri Lanka don’t have much to offer once the initial threat is gone if the ball does not spin. Thats why Tests are an issue
Sri Lanka don’t have the big, tall fast bowlers who will get extra bounce or pace but they do have the ability to swing the ball to pick up wickets.
The white ball with it’s shine swings a lot more than the red one for about 5 to 6 overs, (the red ball swings for longer periods though), unless the conditions favour swing bowling. The first 10 overs are crucial.
The back up bowling options needs to be worked on. Once Kula and Malinga were out of the attack the lines bowled were not as disciplined which made a big difference in the outlook of the game.
If Sri Lanka can find another bowler who can be tight and move it a bit, it will put them in a very good position. It will allow the captain to use Malinga in the middle to late overs, which is a great position to be in.
Looking ahead
There are exciting times ahead. With Sri Lanka rebuilding for the future, they now have more of an idea of what is required to rebuild and be successful.
Sri Lanka should not forget that the best way forward is to rely on the brand that suits Sri Lanka. Don’t try and be like or plan like other teams. Use what you have.
Even with all the shortcomings seen on this tour, Sri Lanka are not too far behind the pack.
Better execution of skills will provide better results than wasting time dreaming of options we don’t have
Opportunities were created in the 3rd Test, but some recklessness led to these opportunities being thrown away. Better execution of skills will provide better results than wasting time dreaming of options we don’t have.
On the leadership front, I feel one captain in all three forms might not be the best way forward as the workload will be too much. Angelo seems to be the only one of the younger guys you could go to, but it also seems too early for him.
The best captain going around, both tactically as well as man management skills, will not be captaining again. Mahela is a truly amazing leader and his presence in and around the team will help any future captain.
Looking at the options available, I would be seriously thinking of going with Angelo as Test captain and Malinga as the captain in the shorter form, reassessing my options maybe in a year. This may also provide extra motivation for him to play longer for Sri Lanka.
The fresh start also sees a new selection committee as well. I really like the look of it and hope everyone gets behind them to build a new team. I have no problem with the decision to elect past great Sanath to the top position. I trust Sanath will know where to draw the line, when required.
One thing is for sure, the future is indeed brighter for Sri Lanka after a tough tour Down Under which answered a lot of questions with the younger players certain to be better for the experience.
Russel Arnold on RoundEight
