Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

It has been tough for us so far, says SL spin coach

Image
Press Trust of India Hyderabad
Last Updated : Nov 08 2014 | 4:50 PM IST
Looking to pull something special out of the bag in the must-win game to stay alive in the series, Sri Lankan spin coach Roger Wijesuriya today admitted that the Indian tour has been very tough for the Islanders.
"It's 2-0 at the moment. This is a very tough tour for us. We have learnt lessons from these two matches. The boys are ready to take another step. It is a challenge, especially for the youngsters. These are opportunities for them to fulfil, and show what they can do," said Wijesuriya on the eve of the third One-day International at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium at Uppal here.
At the receiving end of some ruthless Indian batting post centuries from Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan and Ambati Rayudu, the Sri Lankan bowling has been put through a tough test. Spinners Suraj Randiv and Seekkugge Prasanna have picked up three wickets each in the first and second game respectively but bled too many runs to be effective.
The spin coach, who represented Lanka in four Tests and eight one-dayers during 1982-85, chose to defend his boys.
"Suraj actually, has come to the senior game after a long time. He's been playing in Sri Lanka and coming to a place like this, getting used to the pitches here, it takes time sometimes. But you have to quickly get on with the game and learn things. But going through with him, he is getting more and more confidence. He had a poor start, but he has recovered. But it is a challenge for him," said Wijesuriya, a former left-arm orthodox and right-hand batsman.
Being asked about the short notice of the tour after the West Indies team pull-out having a bearing on the team's performance, Wijesuriya said that these are the demands of modern-day cricket and we should not hide under excuses.
"Nothing like that. Before this tour, we had time for the England tour, and the boys got on with the physical side more. We were concentrating on that. At the same time, the West Indies A team was coming, and we wanted to give the others the chance. So it was a bit of a mix when we got this. But in this level of cricket, you have to be ready any given time to start playing," he said.

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 08 2014 | 4:50 PM IST

Next Story