Sri Lanka to play six batsmen with KJP to occupy crucial Number 3 spot against England

By Leonard Ratnayake in Cardiff, Wales

 

Despite a challenging weather pattern and bouncy wickets in England, Sri Lanka is hopeful that they can play their natural game of cricket against England and be competitive to pose a threat to a strong English side led by Eoin Morgan.

Speaking ahead of their first T20 encounter in Cardiff, Wales, Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Janith Perera said that they look forward to play six specialized batsmen with two all rounders and three bowlers to complete the final XI. “However, we have not yet decided who is going to fit into these spots and the final decision will be taken after the last training session on the ground before the match” explained Kusal.

The Skipper said that with the services of Avishka Fernando in the team, he would most probably be occupying the number three position as Avishka is expected to open the innings with in-form Danushka Gunathilaka. “We have many players among the runs at the moment as shown in the practice matches, it will be tough ask to find the most fitting players for the rest of the batting line-up” said the skipper.

Asked about if he still planned to work on his idea of playing “fearless cricket”, which did not prove to be a success against Bangladesh, hard-hitting left hander said that he will continue to believe in playing his natural game and expect everyone to play fearlessly as he believed the win the against Bangladesh was a result of this notion.

KJP varied his knowledge on tomorrow’s pitch at Cardiff saying that he would expect it to be another bouncy turf as normally all English wickets would be. “It is going to be a bouncy pitch here from what I saw, although we are not that prepared playing international cricket, we are ready to adopt to the conditions and play our natural game,” repeated Kusal.

In response to a question on how he assessed the English team, Sri Lankan skipper said that they are a good batting side along with a bowling attack that can do wonders in their own conditions. “England has got many good players that they can fit into their final composition. They are a strong side with the bat, and I hope our bowlers would good job to contain them and stand up to the challenge” expressed KJP.

He said that is he is optimistic that his batsmen will be up to expectations and get good scores on the board so as to relieve the pressure off the bowlers, who can chip in with their contributions.

The first of the three match T20 international series will start on Wednesday at 18.30pm at Sophia Gardens Cricket Stadium at Cardiff, Wales.

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