Sanath Jayasuriya unravels the secret to Sri Lanka’s upward surge. Improved Lankans take one day series against New Zealand. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Sanath Jayasuriya’s CV as an accomplished coach has risen to new heights as Sri Lanka completed another series victory over New Zealand in the three-match one-dayers in Pallekelle.
The former Sr Lanka dasher, who showed scant respect for the best bowlers in the world during his reign as opener in all formats, is now instilling that fearless determination to his charges and reaping a dramatic turnaround to Sri Lanka cricket.
Jayasuriya has admittedly learned from previous experience as Chief selector, that mental approach outside skill and favour has a correlation to achieving desired outcomes.
His previous run has also altered his style and approach to the job at hand and the new direction he projects, is delivering the surge in Sri Lanka’s upward thrust in the world rankings.
In the very recent past, Sri Lanka have beaten the Kiwis in Tests and one-dayers which is a remarkable feat considering the Kiwis have proved that winning in the sub continent is not a challenge anymore.
The 3-0 Test thrashing of India in India is testament to that prior to this tour.
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Sri Lanka also beat England in England after 15 years in the third Test in a 1-2 series loss, but had success over the West Indies in the T20 series for the very first time.
Winning the Asia Cup and beating India in the final was surely the turning point which made the Lankans aware that nothing is unachievable if you give it your all and not be overawed by the reputation of the opposition.
What is also evident in this remarkable change of fortunes is that there’s been no noticeable change in the available talent, just an adjustment to their mental approach.
Confidence and self belief has been key as the young brigade dare to dream and it had paid dividends towards the ensuing results.
The consistency of Kusal Mendis has been heartening while Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrema and Kamindu Mendis have not found usual fluency with the bat.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers have lifted their game to a very competitive level giving their batters an impetus to capitalise on their efforts. But the batters have been the concerning link with their inconsistency which needs urgent addressing.
Sri Lanka have a dead rubber third game to come, and a clean sweep would be ideal to their more important assignments ahead.
