Quicks, rotate them and look after them
by Rex Clementine Despite the disappointment over how Sri Lanka’s cricket teams have fared in recent years, there is one format in which they have managed to hold their heads high, ODI cricket. There are a couple of notable feathers in their cap too, having beaten Australia and India, the world’s two top ranked teams […]
Sri Lanka's cricket teams have faced disappointment in recent years, but there are positive aspects to their recent performances. They have managed to hold their own in ODI cricket, defeating top-ranked teams Australia and India, as well as being finalists at the last World Cup. This performance has ensured they do not have to go through a qualifying tournament to reach the 2027 World Cup in South Africa.
However, their progress has not been without challenges. They failed to advance past the first round in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, contrasting sharply with their impressive run from 2003 to 2015. During those four World Cups, they finished as runners-up twice, reached a semi-final, and made the quarter-finals in other instances.
To succeed in South Africa, Sri Lanka must handle their fast bowlers with care. Fast bowling has been a bright spot for Sri Lankan cricket, and the hard, bouncy surfaces in South Africa are particularly suited to quick bowlers. The key player here is Dushmantha Chameera, currently the quickest bowler in the country. Managing his workload is crucial, as he is being used only in white ball cricket to avoid overuse.
Sri Lanka should reserve him for important assignments, like the Asia Cup, and keep him fresh for the World Cup.
Another notable bowler is Asitha Fernando, whose skills have improved significantly over the past five years. Currently ranked just outside the top ten among Test bowlers, he has gained significant recognition for his ability to perform well, especially against older balls. His development into a more skilled bowler has been remarkable.
Lahiru Kumara, the second quickest bowler in the country, is also a crucial asset. Despite facing frequent injuries that have hampered his progress, his potential remains high. Eshan Malinga, who has shown great improvement in the last year, is the most improved fast bowler in the country. Lastly, Dilshan Madushanka provides valuable left-arm variety, particularly effective during the Power Play phase of an innings.
In terms of rotation and management, Sri Lanka should carefully consider their team's usage between now and the World Cup. With the World Cup in South Africa, where pace is crucial, preserving their top fast bowlers' fitness and performance will be essential. Other talented fast bowlers like Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also deserve attention, although their style of bowling may be losing some of its novelty.
Milan Rathnayake, who bowls with pace, bats well, and is also an excellent fielder, could prove invaluable in South African conditions.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
