Batting failure cost us the series, says Coach Sanath

Sri Lanka cricket head coach Sanath Jayasuriya said that the defeat in the South Africa Test series is largely due to the failure of batters to push on from their starts to bigger scores.

“Batsmen have to convert their scores into hundreds; 30s and 40s aren’t enough,” Jayasuriya said. “It’s tough on these types of South African 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. I think the batters by now know the value of hundreds, having played in a place like England recently as well. We missed that this time,” added Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka arrived in South Africa dreaming of a World Test Championship final spot, but after being crushed 2-0, that dream has almost certainly faded. Now they have to prepare for two home Tests against Australia, which still offer a slight chance for a World Test Championship final.

“Actually, I can be satisfied with our team’s comeback after being bowled out for 42 in the first innings of the first Test. We made a few mistakes that caused our defeat. Sometimes we got good starts and later struggled, especially in the second Test. In addition, we gave 40-50 more runs to the opponents, and the final result was not good for us. These are challenging wickets and South Africa took up that challenge. But, overall our batsmen couldn’t convert their scores to three-figure marks. Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka got 80s in two matches, but they should have converted them to hundreds. Batsmen must realise this, said Jayasuriya.

The coach further added, “Although there was a lot of effort from the senior batters, I think if they assess themselves individually, they will realise it wasn’t enough. The two forthcoming Australia Test matches in Sri Lanka are going to be tough games. But we have to play well and rectify our mistakes in all three departments. If we can do well in all departments we have a good chance, and now we have to discuss that, added Jayasuriya.

“We need to fine-tune our important areas to give a good fight to Australia, which is going to be played at Galle, the spin-favouring wicket. We have to play to our strengths and make the plans to achieve success.”

Sanath praises Kamindu, Prabath and Lahiru

Sanath Jayasuriya appreciated Lahiru Kumara and Prabath Jayasuriya, who took their first five wickets overseas. As a spinner, Prabath worked hard with the spin coach. He never gave up. In the first innings, he struggled a bit but worked hard with the spin coach and achieved success in the second innings. Lahiru Kumara also reached his hundred wickets, and they have to maintain good momentum.

Sanath also pointed out Kamindu Mendis, who always plays a positive game to achieve success. “Kamindu Mendis is a key player. In every Test match, he was among the runs, apart from this series. If you saw the way he batted in this series, it was still with a lot of confidence. In his last innings especially, you saw that. You can’t expect a batter to hit 50 or 100 every innings; that’s why you have six or seven batters. As a player, he’s a quality player. If he’s got shortcomings, he works with the batting coach to figure those out.

“I know that oppositions are quite concerned about Kamindu, and South Africa too. Now, he will have to work hard to counter that. But I love watching a player like him in the team – he scores at a run-a-ball and plays positively. What I’ve told everyone is to play their natural game and play positive cricket,” added Jayasuriya.