Fielding bloopers spring Sri Lankan management into action

Sri Lanka's poor fielding was highlighted during Bangladesh's tour of the island, as the tourists squared the Test, ODI and finally the T20I series that came to an end on Thursday (April 6). Poor fielding cost the Sri Lankans dearly during all the three series, particularly during their shock four-wicket defeat in the second Test at P. Sara Oval, a fortnight ago.

Asanka Gurusinha, the Cricket Manager of the Sri Lankan team, announced that drastic measures will be taken to improve the team's fielding after their 45-run defeat to Bangladesh in the second T20I.

"We want certain things happening with fitness and fielding. There was a clear message from the Chairman of Selectors that we are not going to select players simply because they have scored heavily in domestic cricket. They need to achieve certain standards in fielding," Gurusinha told journalists.

"Fitness has to be at a certain standard too. When they are playing games at higher intensity, that's where they struggle. When the Provincial Tournament finishes, we will start training from 2nd of May for the Champions Trophy. So from 2nd of May for a two-week period, we will have training sessions which are specifically tailored to improve the fielding."

SLC last year hired Nic Pothas as the Fielding Coach but the South African hasn't got much to do with the senior side as he spends most of his time with the 'A' team, Emerging team and the Under-19 side. "Next week or so, we will finalize our support staff to England and beyond. I have heard about Nic Pothas and we want the best support staff to go to Champions Trophy with us."

Sri Lanka's horror run in T20Is at R. Premadasa Stadium continued. After Thursday's defeat, Sri Lanka have now lost 11 of their 13 matches at this ground.

"I was aware of our poor record here. If you look at the average score here, batting second has been very good. It comes down to how we play. It has got nothing to do with the wicket but something is defiantly wrong somewhere. It's very difficult to give answers since this is one of the best wickets in the country."

Gurusinha said that despite the disappointing outcome in the series, he was happy for his former colleague Chandika Hathurusingha, Bangladesh's Head Coach.

"I had got to know Hathu [Hathurusingha] in 1986. When I was captaining the Under-19 team, I knew his vast cricketing knowledge. I am not surprised at what he has done with Bangladesh. I am happy that a friend and a Sri Lankan has achieved great things. He has been with them for three years. He has taken them to new heights and he has a job to do till 2019 World Cup."