Chris Silverwood, the head coach of Sri Lanka, stressed on Sunday that captain Wanindu Hasaranga’s absence from the first two Twenty20 Internationals in the three-match series would actually be a good thing because it will give other players a chance to get crucial experience before the next T20 World Cup.
Wanindu Hasaranga, the captain of Sri Lanka’s Twenty20 international team, was fined 50% of his match money and given a two-match suspension by the ICC for his outburst against umpire Lyndon Hannibal during the series against Afghanistan. He won’t be available for the series’ opening two games, which start on March 4 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
“We have to deal with the fact that Wandu missed two matches. Now that Wanindu has admitted his guilt, all that remains is for us to move forward. What it does, though, is give other members of the squad a chance to acquire substantial playing experience before the World Cup,” Silverwood said to reporters on Sunday at the SICS.
“That’s how we have to look at it because we’ve seen in a World Cup and Sri Lanka have experienced that it’s not just the eleven on the pitch; it’s a whole squad that takes part in the World Cup,” he stated. “And at any given point, they will all be called upon and so we have to make sure that everybody within that squad is ready for those games as and when they’re called upon.”
In addition, Silverwood said that while Pathum Nissanka’s absence presents a hardship, it also opens doors for others.
“Pathum has developed into a very, very reliable performer at the top of Sri Lanka’s order over the last seven or eight months. Additionally, he has recently produced some incredible hits in both T20 and ODI cricket. The good news is that, as a highly valuable and well-respected member of the squad, I don’t think it will be too long until Pathum rejoins us. We’re eager to have him return as a result. However, as I’ve already stated, this also presents a chance for those who might not receive the necessary game time for a World Cup. Thus, it will provide someone else some gaming time, in my opinion,” he
With reference to Sri Lanka’s recent triumph over Afghanistan in the just finished Twenty20 International Series, Silverwood voiced confidence in the team’s capacity to perform well against the hosts.
To be honest, I think we’ll continue to play the excellent T20 cricket we’ve been playing before this. I anticipate that we will continuing refining our game plans, growing as a group and as individuals, and putting in a lot of effort to achieve that. And in the end, you know what I mean, playing our own brand of cricket right up till the World Cup. We will strive to play like Sri Lankans because that is who we are and what we want to do.”
Silverwood seemed unmoved when questioned about the rivalry between the two countries, putting the impending difficulties first.
First and foremost, pay attention: I anticipate this to be a fiercely competitive series between two strong teams. For me, the past is the past; it is no longer present. From our standpoint, I believe that we need to focus on what is right in front of us,” the coach stated.
“And never forget our goals.” It goes without saying that we are currently in the build-up to the World Cup, which is a significant competition. I believe that all clubs are currently sort of completing their rosters and adding experience, so in the end that’s what it is. We’re preparing for a World Cup, and it’s fantastic that we have such a fantastic series and competition ahead of us. As a result, I anticipate an extremely thrilling series. On both teams, there are some really dangerous players. Therefore, I anticipate having fun. However, as previously stated, the past is history. It concerns the immediate situation,” he continued.
With respect to the series favourites, Silverwood was tactful.
“Well, it goes without saying that I will predict Sri Lanka to win. However, keep in mind that, as I’ve already mentioned, there are two strong teams who will work really hard to win this series. We want to start making sure that we’re playing our best cricket before the World Cup since we’re all getting ready for it. Thus, as I’ve already stated, I anticipate fierce competition,” Silverwood added.
