‘A’ team success through consistency and teamwork

 ‘A’ team success through consistency and teamwork

Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lanka ‘A’ team coach Romesh Kaluwitharana believes that playing the entire series away from Colombo was a huge challenge for his team which they overcame successfully to win the unofficial test and one day series against New Zealand ‘A’ team which concluded last week.

The Sri Lanka ‘A’ team captained by Dinesh Chandimal clinched the unofficial test series one nil (1 drawn) and followed up by winning the three-match one day series 2-1 to complete a fine double.    

Kaluwitharana stressed the fact that his players were put under tremendous pressure and they were forced to perform on tough conditions against a very good side which was studded with a number of national players.      

“I think it was like as if we were playing overseas and unlike in the previous occasions we did not have that vital home advantage for the entire tour but the team showed a lot character to beat the odds and emerge victorious.”

The Sri Lankan coach further noted that it was the consistency of the batsmen and the bowlers that laid the platform for them to win both the test and one day series.

“Our batsmen showed a lot of consistency throughout the series with most of them getting runs in almost every outing and the bowlers had to be very patient and earn their wickets by learning to bowl long spells under trying conditions.”

The former Sri Lanka wicketkeeper opening batsman also believed that early preparations ahead of the series helped them to work as one unit and to build up teamwork which turned out to be a key factor for their success.

“I think the difference in the preparations was that we had the opportunity of conducting training sessions almost one month ahead of the series unlike in the earlier occasions and that helped us a lot to work on our strengths and weaknesses.”

Kaluwitharana further emphasised that they were up against a tough opposition as the New Zealand ‘A’ team arrived directly from India after having completed a grueling test and one day series.

“By the time New Zealand started the series against us they were very much familiar with the conditions in the sub continent because they were quite fresh after having figured in a similar series against the India ‘A’ team”.

The Sri Lanka coach also commended the fine leadership of skipper Dinesh Chandimal who grabbed this opportunity to showcase his talent and potential both as a player and as a good captain.

“I think full credit should be given to Dinesh Chandimal who handled the team with a lot of maturity and had a very good understanding among his players which ultimately led to our success” added Kaluwitharana.                                

End.