Karunaratne on Silverwood: “He likes to take on challenges”

Chris Silverwood speaks to Sri Lankan players during a training session   

By Amindha de Alwis

Sri Lanka Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne, speaking two days before the first Test of their World Test Championship series with Bangladesh, said that he sees new Head Coach Chris Silverwood as someone who embraces challenges and encourages fearless play.

“He is someone who likes to take on challenges and find ways to face them. He likes to see a fearless type of cricket being played. This series is his first with us, so he will not be looking to make any major changes right now, but from what I know, he has strategies in mind for improving our team’s present condition by 20-30% going forward,” Karunaratne shared.

Silverwood’s first competitive match in charge will commence tomorrow (15) in Chittagong, a traditionally favourable venue for batters.

“The previous matches I have played here all ended in draws. More than 1000 runs were scored the last time we played here (2018), and even the match before that (2014) was very similar. It is a very batting-friendly wicket, but we will try and see what combination we could use to push for a result on this wicket,” Karunaratne remarked.
Sri Lanka has a very inexperienced fast-bowling attack in the absence of Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, and the recently retired Suranga Lakmal, but the skipper believed that the bowlers on tour are well-prepared and ready to make the step up.

“Kasun Rajitha, who played in my team, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando, all bowled well in the recent National Super League (NSL) tournament. There is a big competition among the fast bowlers for who will play the first Test. As a leader, I see having to make that tough decision as something good since the competition means the quick bowlers are in a good place.” he said.

Karunaratne also indicated that Oshada Fernando would make a return to the side as his opening partner following a prolific run of form in the NSL.

“We have two opening options – Oshada Fernando who has opened with me in Pakistan, and Kamil Mishara who is new to this level. We will most likely go with Oshada as my opening partner for this game,” he revealed.