Sri Lanka’s cricket coach Sanath Jayasuriya is confident in the team’s readiness for the upcoming Test series against South Africa slated to start on November 27. Despite limited practice sessions, he emphasizes the players’ commitment and discusses the strategic inclusion of consultant Neil McKenzie for support. The focus remains on player adaptation and confidence as they prepare for the ICC World Test Championship matches.
Colombo, November 22 (Daily Mirror) – Sanath Jayasuriya, the head coach of the Sri Lankan men’s cricket team, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the forthcoming Test series against South Africa. Despite the lack of practice matches prior to the series set to commence on November 27 at Kingsmead, Durban, Jayasuriya assured that the players are dedicated and prepared to deliver their best performance. Ten members of the team traveled to South Africa on November 11 for a pre-series training camp, with the remaining players departing recently to join them.
In his address to the media, Jayasuriya acknowledged the unique challenges posed by playing in South Africa but maintained that the squad is equipped to face them. The two-match Test series is part of the ICC World Test Championship, emphasizing the significance of this competition. He noted that many players, including Test captain Dananjaya de Silva, were engaged in red-ball cricket shortly before their departure.
Although Jayasuriya recognized that practice matches could have been beneficial, he explained that time constraints made this impractical. To further enhance the team’s preparation, former South African batter Neil McKenzie has been brought in as a consultant coach to share insights on the local playing conditions. Jayasuriya also pointed out that players transitioning between formats, such as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, must quickly adapt to the demands of Test cricket.
Additionally, Jayasuriya commended the fielding coach, Upul Chandana, for his commitment to improving the team’s fielding standards, which remains an area requiring attention. He praised Kusal Mendis’s batting improvements, attributing these successes to the efforts of batting coach Thilina Kandambi and the entire coaching staff’s support in enhancing player performance.
Reflecting on his coaching tenure, Jayasuriya shared a perspective of mixed emotions encompassing both challenges and satisfaction. He emphasized the importance of instilling confidence in players, reminding them that representing their country is a privilege regardless of the match outcome. Furthermore, he acknowledged the role of modern analytics in informing player development by swiftly identifying areas for improvement.
In response to queries regarding player consistency in white-ball formats, Sri Lanka’s Chief Selector, Upul Chandana, articulated that maintaining a core group enables players to demonstrate their capabilities over several matches rather than frequent rotations under pressure.
The article discusses the preparations of the Sri Lankan men’s cricket team as they approach a two-match Test series against South Africa, part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. With the first Test scheduled to take place on November 27 and the second on December 5, the article highlights the strategic decisions made by coach Sanath Jayasuriya, including the inclusion of a consultant coach and the necessity for players to adapt quickly to the Test format. It emphasizes the importance of player confidence and the potential challenges posed by playing in South Africa, as well as the ongoing development of the team’s skills under the coaching staff’s guidance.
In conclusion, Sanath Jayasuriya’s optimistic outlook on the Sri Lankan cricket team’s preparations ahead of the Test series in South Africa underscores the players’ dedication and their strategic efforts to adapt to the challenges they face. The incorporation of experienced consultants and a focus on player development signal a proactive approach aimed at improving performance. Furthermore, the support systems established within the team aim to foster confidence, allowing players to perform to their fullest potential.
Original Source: www.dailymirror.lk
