Sri Lanka coach Rumesh Ratnayake was a very disappointed and dejected man. Ratnayake spoke to the media at the post match briefing at the end of the third day when play was abandoned after only a session and only a half day’s play was possible. “The commitment and effort is lacking in the team,” said Rumesh, “the way they batted in the first inning was very disappointing. It looked a classic and perfect batting strip.
 |
| Rumesh Ratnayake |
“Everybody in the team knows the responsibility of what they have to do and I would think that everybody is aware of what we have to do or what they have to be doing. It's just that we did not put in much effort. If you look at the way the Aussies batted after the post lunch session of second day’s play, it speaks volumes of the batting track. The Australians when they batted did not attack and did not put our bowlers on top. That is what is needed and not to play rash strokes and just throw away wickets.
“We have spoken of the shortcomings during the T20, ODI and now the Test series and have been practicing hard during training but nothing has materialized. There is something wrong. I don’t know whether all these is too much, not enough or we need to push them some more. I don't know if we are evaluating all these things”.
The Lankan interim coach added that at the end of the day they are playing at the highest level and the cricketers need to know when they come to this level they have to have the experience to tackle any delivery on its own merit. “So it's up to them to create that environment and play their natural game”.
Ratnayake also added, “On the other hand the Australians played to a plan, they set the bowling according to the batting and they were right on spot which our bowlers lacked. In their batting too they were perfect and were never in a hurry. The Lankan interim coach charged that the Australian team have been together only for the past few months and they have adjusted themselves quite well. But, he could not understand why the Lankan players couldn’t do so; “it's just that they should be more dedicated and determined. So if we have some kind of credibility as of a player group I am sure things can be better”.
Rumesh further added that the injury to two players Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath was a big blow. “Seekuge Prasanna came in because of Ajantha's injury and I would have liked to have had two pacies and two spinners in our squad but when you lose the two best spinners what options are we left with?
“Nevertheless what I have to say is that without doubt with the talent we have our boys are capable of big scores and as a coach I am confident and hoping to see them perform better in the remaining two days” said Rumesh in conclusion. |
E-mail
