Mahela defends team despite rock bottom performance
By Easwaran Rutnam
Sri Lanka cricket team consultant coach Mahela Jayawardena defended the team despite their rock bottom performance at the World Cup, saying they are an investment for the future.
Jayawardena told reporters in Colombo today that most of the players in the team were inexperienced and were being prepared for the future.
“It’s a process that we have to trust and it’s a process that we have to be patient with because this is a skillful group. Most of the guys are in their early 20s or mid-20s. That means they are going to be a force to reckon with going forward,” Mahela Jayawardena said.
He also said that Sri Lanka cricket fans must have realistic expectations about team when they go for a World Cup.
“People jumping and screaming have to realize what modern day cricket is and how we are going to compete going forward,” he said.
Speaking to reporters at a media briefing in Colombo with the Sri Lanka cricket team which was kicked out of the ongoing World Cup in India, Mahela Jayawardena said that the team needs to work harder and address shortcomings.
He also denied claims that the team was under pressure from the cricket board to under-perform at the tournament.
Sri Lanka cricket captain Kusal Mendis also apologized for the poor performance of the team.
He also said the team is confident of bouncing back in the future and playing better cricket. (Colombo Gazette)
