ODI series kicks off with Sri Lanka in disarray

Sri Lanka’s already slim chances going into their series versus reigning 50-over world champions England, were dealt a further blow with the suspension of the three frontline batsmen for a bio-bubble breach ahead of the first ODI in Durham today.

Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella and vice-captain Kusal Mendis have been suspended by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) after a breach of the team’s bio-secure environment on Sunday night. The three players have been recalled to Sri Lanka with immediate effect and it remains to be seen what further disciplinary action will be taken against them,

Sri Lanka’s dismal batting display in last week’s T20IS against the same opposition drew widespread criticism from many quarters and the absence of the three players in addition to the injured Avishka Fernando leaves the visitors scrambling to assemble a top order.

Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando and the uncapped Charith Asalanka are among those who may be called on to take up the vacant slots.

Sri Lanka currently lie at the bottom of the 13-team World Cup Super League table and Kusal Perera’s team would have to produce an extraordinary backs-to-the-wall display if that is to change after these three ODIS.

The skipper did not comment when queried on Sunday’s bio-bubble breach with SLC communicating that an official statement on the matter will be released in due course.

Perera termed his batting unit’s performance in the T20I series as very disappointing and underlined the importance of taking responsibility with bat in hand.

“The batting unit is very disappointed in how they did. On the positive side, our bowling has been doing well since the Bangladesh series and our fielding has shown improvement. However, without batting we cannot win games. Since we have been repeatedly failing, we have been having discussions at length. Our batsmen need to take responsibility,” he said.

Perera himself was kept on a tight leash by the English bowlers last week, with the usually quick-scoring batsman restricted to a strike rate of just 94, as he was repeatedly cramped for room and not given the opportunity to free his hands.

“They hardly gave any width and had come with a plan on how to bowl to me which they executed very well. that reduced my modes of getting runs.in that situation, as much as I tried to play my ‘free’ game, it becomes difficult. so, i need to figure out an option for getting my runs when they bowl in that way to me,” he expressed.

Perera went on to issue an apology to the team’s fans for their recent performances but said that he hopes they continue to show their support as the side attempts to get back to winning ways.

“We accept that we have let down our fans.we are sorry for this, but as a captain I am happy that we do have fans who still support us even with all these problems. i hope that you keep supporting us going ahead.we do hope to bring back that winning mentality and start winning games again with is what the fans want,” Perera said.