Chandimal says worst series of his career

pallekele — At a loss to explain Sri Lanka’s dismal performance against India, skipper Dinesh Chandimal on Monday said the 0-3 thrashing was the “worst” Test series of his career and his team has no excuses to offer.

The hosts were bowled out for 181 in their second innings, after following on post their 135run first innings’ collapse as India won the series 3-0 to complete a comprehensive whitewash. “This was the toughest series in my career, no doubt,” said Chandimal after the third and final Test which Sri Lanka lost by an innings and 171 runs inside three days.

“The reason being that we were not able to take the games to five days. There have been four day Tests and three day Tests. This is the worst series ever. It’s pretty tough for the team and me. Credit goes to India,” he added.

Chandimal said he takes complete responsibility for the side’s abject surrender. But he was hopeful that the team would lift itself in the near future. “They have played outstandingly well in the series. I am disappointed that if we could have dragged the game to the fifth day we could have learned something, but losing within two and half days you cannot give any excuses,” he said.

“As captain, I would like to take the responsibility. The fans have always supported us. They encourage us always. Today we saw despite losing, people applauding us. That is what the team needs now. “We cannot let the players be mentally down. We are doing the process right. We might not get results soon, but we are confident that the future looks good,” he added with hope. — PTI