‘We haven’t sorted out our strategy’

Former great Aravinda de Silva said Sri Lanka have got their strategies wrong after the former champions made a humiliating exit in the Asia Cup. Sri Lanka suffered defeats at the hands of Bangladesh and Afghanistan inside three days to crash out, ending their worst Asia Cup campaign.

“Losing is part of the game, but the sad part is that we haven’t got our strategy sorted out. They have no idea what they are doing. There is no proper direction and clarity. The batting is a mess. We have to set each batsman a role and set the batting line-up accordingly. They are still continuing trial and error which is dangerous considering the World Cup is nine months away,” said de Silva in an interview.

“I am appalled with our fielding. That is not excusable. It has got nothing to do with talent. It is mainly hard work. I am not too sure whether they are placing enough emphasis on fielding. They are carrying a few older players and those players need to be positioned in certain areas and work on that. By now it should have happened,” he said.

“I also see that they are open-

DUBAI: I am appalled with our fielding. It has got nothing to do with talent. I am not too sure whether they are placing enough emphasis on fielding. ARAVINDA DE SILVA, Former Sri Lanka opener

ing with Kusal Mendis. Well, I am not too sure whether he is an opener. His technique and temperament are such that he is better off at number four. Kusal is a guy who has got all the shots and should play the anchor. They need to understand his strength and strategise accordingly.

“I am glad that Lasith Malinga has returned to the side and that has given some variation to the attack. We have to analyse properly and make some decisions moving forward,” said Aravinda.