Sri Lanka’s head coach Sanath Jayasuriya reflected on the team’s 109-run loss to South Africa in the second Test, stressing the need for batters to convert scores into hundreds. The defeat led to a series whitewash, and Jayasuriya acknowledged the missed chance for a spot in the World Test Championship final. He praised Kamindu Mendis as a key player, despite the team’s struggles in batting performance.
Sri Lanka’s head coach, Sanath Jayasuriya, assessed the team’s performance following their 109-run loss to South Africa in the second Test, emphasizing the necessity for improved batting results. On the final day of the match, South Africa secured a comprehensive victory, resulting in a series whitewash with Sri Lanka unable to equalize their score. Jayasuriya highlighted the contrasting playing conditions that adversely impacted the team’s performance compared to their home turf.
Throughout the match, Sri Lanka fell short in crucial batting performances, with Jayasuriya urging his players to convert their scores into significant innings, stating, “Batsmen have to convert their scores into hundreds – 30s and 40s aren’t enough. It’s tough on these wickets, but at least two batters have to score hundreds on a tour like this. We didn’t get that. All we got were two 80s.” He acknowledged that their inability to secure significant runs ultimately cost them a place in the upcoming World Test Championship final.
Moreover, Jayasuriya praised Kamindu Mendis, recognizing him as a critical player within the squad, even though he did not achieve notable scores in this series. He remarked on Mendis’s consistent performance in previous matches, underscoring the fact that not every player could deliver exceptional performances in every game. Following the series defeat, Sri Lanka is set to host Australia for two Test matches scheduled for January next year.
The article discusses the aftermath of Sri Lanka’s defeat against South Africa in the second Test, which concluded with a 109-run victory for the South African team, resulting in a clean sweep of the two-match series. Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya reflects on the team’s shortcomings, particularly regarding their batting, and the missed opportunities that could have allowed them to qualify for the World Test Championship Final in London.
In conclusion, Sanath Jayasuriya’s reflections on the team’s performance highlight significant areas for improvement, notably the need for Sri Lanka’s batters to convert opportunities into substantial scores to compete effectively on international tours. The results of this series serve as a critical lesson as Sri Lanka prepares for their upcoming challenges against Australia.
Original Source: thenewsmill.com
