SRILANKA ANNOUNCED THEIR ODI SQUAD FOR INDIA, THARANGA CALLS FOR SUPPORT

SPORTSLIBRO CRICKETLATEST CRICKET NEWS

As we all know team Inia has washed Sri Lanka by 3-0 in the test series that has just been concluded and that too in the 3rd day itself, so it has become a matter to think upon for the Sri Lankan selectors as of whom to give a chance

Team India is in the best of their form and will let go no strings attached for the team and the nation, they are working very hard and will definitely try to win the ODI series too, it will be equally difficult for both the team to asses a comfortable win

It will be a 5 match ODI series that is going to start from 2oth of August, it will be very interesting to see as of how will the Sri Lankan team will perform in the limited overs format, things and situation do change when format of the game changes.

The players being given the chance are:

ODI Squad: Upul Tharanga (c), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando

“Every team goes through a rough patch,” skipper Tharanga said. “This is something that happens in cycles to every team and every nation no matter how great a cricketing nation they are.

Sri Lanka conceded 600+ totals in two of the three Tests and were asked to follow on in the last two games before succumbing to innings defeats. While the island nation weren’t expected to topple the No. 1 ranked side during the series, the manner of defeat came across as rather baffling as their side kept slipping to newer depths every time. With the five-match ODI series and a lone T20I coming up, the skipper noted that every team had its share of lows and goes through a phase of transition before coming back on top.

“Sri Lanka dominated in all three formats for a good 18 years – don’t forget this now when we are going through a rough patch. Obviously there are some things we can’t openly discuss due to strategic reasons but there are certain areas behind the scenes that need to fall into place for us. These areas are being taken care of, and we are seeing the results behind the scenes – however it will take a little more time for it to be seen externally, so please have patience, and most importantly have faith.”

The skipper also reposed faith in the limited-overs outfit and felt that they are well equipped to fare better against their opponents in the 50-over format of the game. “Sri Lanka have always been stronger in our white-ball format, and I am confident that we will come out strong and beat India. We have the talent, we have the skill. We have been putting in the hard work, we just need the spirit, and for that we need your support too.

“The support of our fans plays a big role in the morale of the team. We play for our country and our goal is to bring pride to our family of 20 million in this nation – so your support is something that matters greatly to us.

“Yesterday despite the defeat, we saw spectators cheering us and applauding us – this is what we need. It inspires us to fight harder too – so as the captain of the ODI & T20 teams, I want to appeal to each every one of you,” concluded Tharanga.