Chandimal is confident to take on English Challenge

By Dhammika Ratnaweera

An ever transforming Sri Lanka cricket team, this time led by Dinesh Chandimal will play England in five One Day International series in Sri Lanka in October. The much awaited English tour will commence with two practice matches starting on 5th of October and will conclude with only T20 encounter following the five match ODI series in its limited over cricket edition. In November, England is due to send a changed team to play three-match test series.

Dinesh Chandimal, who is now entrusted to lead the ODI team, hopefully until the next year’s world cup in England, said that he was ready to face the challenge from the Englishmen at a tournament launch ceremony held at Shangri La Hotel on Wednesday. “We have realized our mistakes and working hard to correct those areas. We have new ideas and will try to work them out during this tour” added skipper Chandimal.

He explained that they are working to figure out the final batting line-up and will be decided in Dambulla. “The Englishmen are in top form and they are a very balanced team. This tour is certainly going to be a big challenge for us.” said Chandimal.ù

England’s ODI skipper Eoin Morgan said that they had prepared well for the tour of Sri Lanka. “Touring Sri Lanka is always special for us, we prepare well for the tour as Sri Lanka enjoy much of their home advantage with good spin attack but we played against India also very well and looking forward to do well.” said English skipper adding that they would make full use of the series since its going to be the last series before world cup.

Trevor Bayliss, the English coach said they have a well-balanced side and the way his players played previous games, he is very positive on the series. “Sri Lankans are too strong especially on their home conditions but my players ready to play their normal games” said Bayliss, a former Sri Lankan cricket coach.

Sri Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said this is going to be a good tussle between the two teams. “This is going to be a good opportunity for Sri Lanka to prove their potentials, we have learnt from our mistakes at the Asia Cup and it is time for us to come up with new plans” added Hathurusinghe.