Dhananjaya de Silva questions Sri Lanka's strategy on spin-friendly pitches
What's the story
Sri Lankan cricket team captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, has ignited a debate over the nation's dependence on spin-friendly pitches for home matches.
This comes after a whitewash (2-0) in the recently concluded two-Test series against Australia in Galle.
De Silva hinted it might be time for Sri Lanka to rethink their strategy and perhaps go for different kinds of pitches.
Here's what the skipper had to say.
Performance analysis
De Silva highlights Sri Lanka's struggles on spin-friendly pitches
De Silva highlighted the team's struggles on spin-friendly pitches.
Speaking after their nine-wicket loss in the second Test, he said, "There's definitely a question of whether we are playing spin very well as batters."
He noted Australia's success in scoring square of the wicket, acknowledging the defensive challenges on such pitches.
This observation underlines Sri Lanka's need for a strategic rethink about their home ground conditions.
Venue considerations
Sri Lanka's home record and potential venue changes
Historically, spin has been Sri Lanka's biggest weapon against visiting teams, especially at Galle.
Australia handed SL their worst-ever Test defeat, followed by a nine-wicket loss in consecutive matches at Galle.
Since 2020, SL have played 19 home Tests, with 15 at Galle, (eight wins, seven losses).
De Silva hinted at hosting more home Tests at other venues like Pallekele or Colombo's SSC and P Sara Oval, and stated, "As a batter, I do like playing in the other venues."
Batting concerns
De Silva points out Sri Lanka's batting average issue
De Silva added that Sri Lankan batters' averages are lower than those in other countries as they play in spin-friendly conditions.
"It's hard to have an outstanding record on these pitches. If you take our batting averages, they're lower than those of batters in other countries, because we bat in spin-friendly conditions," he said.
The captain also highlighted that bowlers need to be skilled to take wickets on good tracks.
This statement further highlights the need for a strategic rethink.
Match recap
All-round Australia beat SL to complete Test series whitewash
Fifties from Kusal Mendis (85*) and Dinesh Chandimal (74) helped SL post 257/10 while batting first.
Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann dismissed three batters each.
Australia posted a brilliant 414/10 as Steve Smith (131) and Alex Carey (156) did well. For SL, Prabath Jayasuriya claimed a fifer.
Angelo Mathews (76) and Mendis (50) were SL's half-centurions in the third innings (231/10). Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon took four-fers.
In response, Australia won by nine wickets (75/1).