Hathurusinghe brings glad tidings to Sri Lanka cricket – By Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne)

Trevine Rodrigo (Melbourne)

Chandika_Hathurusinghe

Kusal Mendis in Action

Looking at Sri Lanka’s new-found confidence with the same group of players now showing their real potential is proof enough that there is no lack of talent in the Island nation. Just the inability of those guiding their fortunes being able to work on their mindset and subtle tinkering of their talent.

 The bowling which was of real concern appears to have been sorted out with the available talent led by veterans Suranga Lakmal and Rangana Herath at the helm ably supported by emerging stars Dhananjaya De Silva and Dilruwan Perera helping re-shape a reasonable attack.

 But what has been most heartening is the increasing consistency of their batsmen who hammered the Bangladesh attack for 713 for 9 in reply to the hosts 513. Kusal Mendis found timely form and Dhanjaya De Silva supported him with big centuries. From a dead track in Mipur the Bangladeshi curators then produced a vicious turner in Dhaka which saw their spinners restrict Sri Lanka to two 200 plus totals but the more seasoned Lankan Spinners ran riot to skittle them out for just over 100 twice to completely annihilate them.

 If there is a worrying factor at the moment it is the recurring injury to former skipper Angelo Matthews who is still a gun in all formats but for his injury issues. The continuing inconsistency of current skipper Dinesh Chandimal and Thisara Perera who could help make them once again the world beaters they once were is also concerning. Hathurusinghe’s clever mentoring could soon sort out their issues.

 A tri-nation T20 series with India and Bangladesh in March to mark Sri Lanka’s 70 years of Independence will give the Sri Lankans a measurement of their progress before the important tour to the West Indies after a decade for a three-match Test series in May and a home series against South Africa in July-August which will put their current position in true perspective.

 The Asia Cup in India in September and a home series against England in October/November caps off a busy year before the Lankans tour New Zealand for a Test and one-day series ahead of the World Cup in 2019.

Sri Lanka Future Tours itinerary.