Sri Lanka’s batsmen must play the long innings says coach Tillekaratne

Sri Lanka’s Under-19 batsmen will have to focus on playing a long innings if they are to win trophies on the international circuit according to coach Hashan Tillekaratne.

Sri Lanka entered the Asia Cup final and lost to India and Tillekeratne acknowledges that the team lacked proper focus for the bigger occasion.

“Actually the team did really well during this tournament and they were unbeaten before the final. Our bowlers and fielders did their part well. The batting was not bad but overall we have to make those good partnerships to build good totals”, said Tillekeratne the former Mr. Reliable batsman of the Sri Lanka team.

Tillekaratne also pointed out that school cricket and international cricket were totally different. “We have to adjust to this reality”, said Tillekaratne. “But me must get more international matches. Today at school level most of the batsmen can play long innings but some of them struggle at the international level.

“We are focusing on the 2020 Under-19 World Cup and eight players from this present team can play in 2020. That is very good and it will benefit the team”, added Tillekeratne.

The former Sri Lanka captain also said that a sound mindset was also very important to study match situations and build-up self confidence.

“We gave good coordination with our supporting staff. Myself and fast bowling coach Chaminda Vaas along with fielding coach Upul Chandana have been working hard and that we finished runners-up at the Asia Cup means we have the potential”, said Tillekeratne.

Meanwhile fast bowling coach Chaminda Vaas said in the final against India the toss mattered a lot as India rattled up over 300 runs which was a huge target.

“They scored over 300 runs on that flat wicket. Chasing over 300 runs was a huge target especially for our youngsters. But I thought Nuwanidu Fernando scored a brilliant hundred in the semi final against Afghanistan. At the final we couldn’t produce a long innings like that. Actually two or three batsmen need to make big scores so the others can bat around them”, said Vaas.

Fielding coach Upul Chandana said he was pleased with the standard of fielding put in by the boys with some 23 catches taken.

“They are very busy when it comes to fielding practice sessions and that’s very important. Catches win matches and they knew that”, said Chandana himself a brilliant fielder during his playing days.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team is already in the island for a series of matches starting next week.

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