Sri Lanka will have it tough against India: Jayasuriya

After losing some of its big stars, Sri Lankan cricket is going through a tough period. The signals coming from the island nation are not very promising either.

Thirtyfour-year-old Jehan Mubarak was brought back to the Sri Lankan team after eight years for the country’s last Test against Pakistan in Kandy last month which gave the impression that there could be a long-term problem with not many quality juniors coming up to fill the slots left vacant by the seniors.

Recent losses

The recent losses to the visiting Pakistan, in the Test, ODI and T20 series, only brought the painful reality to the fore.

The Indians will be travelling to Sri Lanka for a three-Test series this month. How is Sri Lanka looking at this tour? Can the Indians expect a party there?

“We didn’t do well against Pakistan and it was very disappointing overall.

“At the moment, you have to understand that Sri Lanka is going through a bit of a lean period after the retirement of most of our senior cricketers — (Kumar) Sangakkara, Mahela (Jayawardena) and (Tillakaratne) Dilshan.

“We didn’t do well, but we have enough cricketers to come back and do well,” said former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya here on Monday. India coming to Sri Lanka is very important to Sri Lanka cricket, I hope Sri Lanka plays good cricket during the three-Test series. 

“It’s going to be tough for us for India plays good cricket and it is playing well at the moment. But in our conditions, our players are also good.” (the hindu)