Sri Lanka pick strong contingent for T20 World Cup in the West Indies and America. Selectors adamant horses for courses was behind reasoning for selected squad. – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Sri Lanka look capable of springing some major surprises in the upcoming T20 World Cup in America and the West Indies.
A strong side led by spinning all-rounder Wannindu Hasarsnga de Silva has been fine tuned for action and are ready to set out on a mission of redemption and upliftment after a concerning free fall in recent times.
They can hang their hat on series wins over Afganistan and Bangladesh in a sudden turnaround that has infused new found confidence and optimism which could give them favourable results that can lift them into the top rung of the game.
The neutral conditions in America and perceived slow drop in wickets from Australia could be a factor for several nations to rise above all expectations, and Sri Lanka’s chosen squad comprising several outstanding all-rounders are capable of matching it with the best.
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There’s a certain air of confidence in this team that clearly emanates positive mindset and this needs to be transferred to their efforts on the field.
Sri Lanka’s success rate in this competition has been impressive, winning it once and making the final on three occasions.
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There has been a lean towards youth and experience in the chosen contingent with perhaps a couple of question marks over a couple in the selected squad over a couple who many perceive would have been better backups in case of injury. Horses for courses was the reasoning for the selected squad said the selection committee.
Hasarsnga has competent left-hand batsman Charith Asalanka as his deputy with three other captain’s, Dhananjaya de Silva (Tests), Kusal Mendis, (one dayers), former skipper Dasun Shanaka and former captain in all formats Angelo Matthews in the team. It could be a bonus or a tragedy depending on how they blend.
Sri Lanka’s new selectors headed by former opening batter Upul Tharanga are confident in the team selected, deflecting speculation that favouritism weighed on some in the team.
At a media briefing the five man selection committee were grilled on the omission of players such as Kusal Janith Perera and Jeffrey Vandersay for players with less experience in particular young gun Dunith Wellalage.
Visa issues were attributed to Perera’s overlooking at the time assessment was made but Wellage’s inclusion was well thought out due to his allround capability, they said.
Looking at the line-up there is reason to believe they can go deep this time with solid batting depth and a well balanced attack that can trouble the best batters in the world.
How much they have lifted in the field will be crucial to press home the advantage they possess.
The team left with the religious blessing from the clergy of different denominations.
