Sri Lanka’s head coach Sanath Jayasuriya lamented his team’s 109-run loss to South Africa, stressing the need for batters to score centuries. He noted that despite the challenging conditions, the team must perform better to qualify for the World Test Championship Final. Jayasuriya recognized Kamindu Mendis as a crucial player but stated that too few substantial scores from batters ultimately hindered their chances in the series.
Sanath Jayasuriya, the head coach of Sri Lanka’s cricket team, expressed disappointment following his team’s 109-run defeat to South Africa in the second Test, acknowledging the pressing need for batters to amass more substantial scores. The conclusion of the match saw Sri Lanka lose the series 2-0 after a hard-fought performance. On the final day, Sri Lanka stood 143 runs shy of equaling the series, while South Africa was within reach of securing a clean sweep.
While reflecting on the match, Jayasuriya noted that the condition differences posed challenges but emphasized that it was essential for batters to convert decent starts into centuries. He remarked, “Batsmen have to convert their scores into hundreds – 30s and 40s aren’t enough. It’s tough on these wickets, but at least two batters have to score hundreds on a tour like this. We didn’t get that. All we got were two 80s.”
Jayasuriya also admitted that the missed opportunities may have cost Sri Lanka a place in the imminent World Test Championship Final at Lord’s. He stated, “I think the batters by now know the value of hundreds on the road, having played in a place like England recently as well. We missed that this time.” He appreciated the efforts of the senior players, yet urged individual assessments for improvement. Additionally, he praised Kamindu Mendis, recognizing him as a vital player within the team, even while acknowledging the team’s struggles in this series. Moving forward, Sri Lanka is set to host Australia for two Test matches in January of the next year.
This article discusses the aftermath of the second Test match between Sri Lanka and South Africa, where Sri Lanka suffered defeat, leading to a series whitewash. The critical commentary from head coach Sanath Jayasuriya highlights the inadequacies of the batting performance, particularly the necessity of converting modest scores into higher figures in order to compete effectively. This defeat also has implications for Sri Lanka’s aspirations in international Test cricket, specifically regarding their chances for the World Test Championship Final.
In conclusion, the article underscores the urgent call for improvement within the Sri Lankan batting lineup following their recent disappointing performance against South Africa. Coach Sanath Jayasuriya’s reflections highlight the significance of scoring centuries and the need for consistent performances from batters. The upcoming series against Australia presents an opportunity for the team to regroup and enhance their performance, aiming for better results in future contests.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
