Angelo Mathews expects Sri Lanka to be at their best to beat England
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:18 PM
After a disastrous test series in England, Sri Lanka can finally be relieved after a dominating performance in the 2 match ODI series against Ireland. The test series was just a nightmare for the visitors as the England pacers made an utter mess of the visitors in the first two tests of the series. The third test at Lord’s offered some respite, as the rain had the final say on the fifth day.
After Sri Lanka thrashed hosts Ireland, skipper Angelo Mathews stated that his side would have to improve further if the Sri Lankans were to defeat England in the upcoming ODI series between the two sides. England have been in decent ODI form as a unit as the leadership of Eoin Morgan has been pretty crisp. “We still can improve a lot in all departments. It was a pretty convincing victory today, but we need to be at our best to beat England,” Mathews said.
The Sri Lankan captain also reflected on the second ODI against Ireland. “Perera and Danuska Gunathilaka had a brilliant opening partnership and after that solid foundation it was a tactical decision to bring in the pinch-hitter and take the game forward,” Mathews said. “It was a very good wicket and a tough ask for the bowlers but we stuck to our task. They had to bowl good lines and lengths. Having said that, after scoring 377 it was a tough ask for the Irish because they had to go at it from ball one, so we had to bowl dot balls and create pressure.”
Mathews was also full in awe of new comer Dasun Shanaka, who impressed the most in the two match series. “Shanaka is becoming a very good all-rounder for us and hopefully he will continue in the England ODIs and for the next few years,” Mathews said. “We were short of seam-bowling all-rounders, but now with Farveez Maharoof, Shanaka and myself, we have plenty of options.”