By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Ranked above Sri Lanka in the ODI format and also in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World cup, Bangladesh is hopeful that they would be able to able to give a keen contest of cricketing display on Sri Lankan soils as the two teams meet each other in a 3-match ODI series.
Stand-in captain Tamim Iqbal is very positive that their recent form would be a plus point to contain the Sri Lanka team. “Sri Lanka is always a very tough side to beat in their home condition but we take this challenge and we want to come good” said Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal.
The first of the three matches will be played on Friday the 26th at R. Premadasa Stadium, where Sri Lanka pace bowler Lasith Malinga would bid adieu to his One-day International career.
Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratna said that the 22-member squad for this series will be pruned down to 15. “We all are in good form to play against Bangladesh. We will miss the services of Lasith Malinga, who already talked to me about his retirement plans after the first match” said skipper Karunaratne, who added that now its time they have to look out for another wicket-taking bowler.
In the squad, they have included all-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya and paceman Lahiru Madusanka in addition to the pacies who participated at the World Cup.
Speaking about the security arrangments for the tour as the country is still remembering the Easter bombings in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh skipper praised Sri Lanka Cricket for excellent security measures given to their team and said that they feel very peaceful and focused on cricket despite what has happened in the past. He said it was important the two countries help each other during these situations as it had been the case in the past.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusinghe said this is a good chance for the players to come good after the world cup tournament and hoped that the in-form players would lead the way against Bangladesh.
Talking about his future with Sri Lanka Cricket, Hathurusinghe said that no one had informed his so far about his job and that he intends to carry forward as planned.
However, SLC secretary Mohan de Silva confirmed that Minister of Sports Harin Fernando had notified the board to overhaul the team’s coaching staff. “This is an issue we have to handle very carefully, we will meet up in the ex-co and would find a solution to the minister’s request in these days” added de Silva.
Be the first to comment