Colombo, Aug 2: They have lost the three-match T20Is 3-0. Some of their key players, especially inform fast bowlers, have been ruled out with injuries, as Sri Lanka gear up to face visitors India in the first ODI at the Premadasa Stadium, here on Friday.
Winning and losing is a part of the game. But their Interim Coach and cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya, wants them to raise their game and put up a fight against formidable Indians.
However, Jayasuriya in his media interaction, admitted that he is aware that the young and injury-hit Lankans are up against a very strong and well balanced Indian side. The Indians are well charged up and have just won the T20I World Cup. But he wants his players to regroup and play their best cricket in the ODIs, he added.
Before the ODIs, Sri Lanka have a long list of injured players, which includes Binura Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara.
But that is not all. Few more players have been affected by the flu in the lead-up to the ODI series. Despite these challenges, Jayasuriya emphasized that the absence of key players will not serve as an excuse in the upcoming matches and urged the rest of the squad to step up and perform against India.
Sri Lanka have named Charith Asalanka as the skipper for both the T20Is and the ODIs. After losing all the three T20Is, as a captain, Asalanka would be under pressure too. Personally Asalanka managed just 14 runs in the three T20Is.
Even prior to the India series, Asalanka also struggled during the recent T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies, scoring only 71 runs from three innings. However, Jayasuriya is confident that the 27-year-old will excel in the longer 50-over format.
Because Jayasuriya believes that Asalanka being Sri Lanka's best ODI player, will definitely come good in the 50-over games. The Interim Coach also lauded his hard working captain for his professional approach and good communication skills.
