Herath ‘banks’ on youngsters

COLOMBO, Oct 24, (AFP): Sri Lanka’s oldest ever skipper Rangana Herath Monday said he hoped to build on the recent Test whitewash against Australia despite leading a young and inexperienced team to Zimbabwe.

The 38-year-old spinner became the oldest player named to head an overseas tour as regular captain Angelo Mathews and his deputy Dinesh Chandimal pulled out of the two-Test series with injuries.

“I am pleased to be appointed captain of the national team even at the age of 38,” Herath told reporters in Colombo before the team’s departure to Harare.

“It is true that we don’t have experienced players, but we have a lot of confidence after winning against Australia,” the veteran spinner said referring to Sri Lanka’s historic series win against the then world number one team in a three-match tournament ending in August.

Herath set up Sri Lanka’s success against Australia with a maiden Test hat-trick and ended up man of the series.

“What our young players lack in experience they make up with confidence,” Herath said. “The victory against Australia has given us a huge boost. We hope to make a very significant impact in Zimbabwe.”

There are three new faces in the minutes of play on the fifth and final day at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Sabbir Rahman, the overnight halfcenturion, was left stranded on 64 as the allrounder Stokes dismissed the other two batsmen in his second over.

Stokes had Taijul Islam lbw for 16 following a successful review, after umpire Kumar Dharmasena initially turned down a muted appeal.

Two balls later it was the turn for Bangladesh to ask for a review as Dharamsena declared the number 11 batsman Shafiul Islam out lbw for a duck.

The replay again came to England’s aid as Hawk-Eye indicated that the ball was hitting off stump, meaning the umpire’s initial decision stood.

England captain Alastair Cook, who had flown back to Bangladesh only days after attending the birth of his daughter back home, said that both sides had played their part in thrilling match.

“It was a really good Test match, to think we were here on day five with that wicket,” Cook said after the game.

“It was such a tight game, so credit to both sides. I’m glad we held our nerve, the quality we have in our attack, we got