SLC to ring major changes to ODI squad

12 March 2019 03:05 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 5

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by Champika Fernando

Sri Lanka Cricket will ring in some major changes in the national team ahead of the T20 leg of the ongoing series in South Africa after the islanders conceded yet another limited-over series defeat.

With the team’s fortunes in limited-over cricket reaching unprecedented lows in recent months, and with the World Cup just around the corner, the board has decided to replace the head coach for the remainder of the series while a new captain likely to lead the side to the World Cup.

Accordingly, Chandika Hathurusingha will be asked to return at the end of the ODI series in which Sri Lanka has conceded 3-0 with two matches to go. In the interim, current fielding coach Steve Rixon will take the job and is likely to herd the team to the World Cup in July. The Sports Ministry earlier sought the Attorney General’s advice on the possibility of terminating Hathurusingha’s contract.

These decisions were reached after Board officials held discussions with the Minister of Sports Harin Fernando and cricket selectors on Monday and in principle agreed to relieve the current head coach of his responsibilities in an effort to end the slide.

Also in the firing line is Captain Lasith Malinga who will be replaced by either Angelo Mathews or Dimuth Karunaratne.

Mathews has led the side twice in the past and will be the top-notch candidate but they are also discussing the name of Karunaratne, given how admirably he led Sri Lanka to a 2-0 historic Test victory against South Africa last month. To his disadvantage is his lack of experience in the format, having last represented Sri Lanka in an ODI during the 2015 World Cup.

Comments - 5

R. Anthony Wednesday, 13 March 2019 05:14 PM

Very good move. Hathurusinghe and Gurusinghe both should be out. They are the reason for the poor state to day, anyway its better late than Never. Angelo will be the best bet to captain the side. Bad choice to play Upul Tharanga in one day internationals, he has lost sight its obvious the way gets out. Selectors over to you

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dulan Thursday, 14 March 2019 04:41 PM

Good moves we need a captain like Mathew or Karunaratne that players respect. Tharanga and Malinga must retire . Dulanjal De Silva is also not scoring

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Rohan Thursday, 14 March 2019 04:48 PM

Changing coach will not win matches and the timing is worse for the team. If anything need changing that should be the minister and the cricket board officials those who interfere with selection and create doubt on players minds.

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Buddhika Wakkumbura Thursday, 14 March 2019 05:24 PM

That’s not the right decision to get out couch. We have good payers in hand. There should be change only the little ne up and has to add Dasun Shanka in to the team and Malinga should out and Suranga Lakmal add to the team also. Last we played with SA in 2018 that two payer were brilliant in the game. But why this time they are not in the squad, When we look at the our past Suranga Lakmal also has good Captaincy in his few game as a Captain. Should we consider that ? Kusal Medis

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Mohamed Faraj Tuesday, 19 March 2019 02:53 PM

I think Just with one series we should not do this so far. Bringing Mathews and Dimuth for the worldcup is the key for Srilanka. We have to focus more on all three departments. Insha allah we all hope for the best to be done by our lions on the given day in Worldcup.

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