With series decided Sri Lanka look to ring changes for today’s final ODI

Sri Lanka’s spin quartet that has done immense damage to West Indies batting (from left) Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Jeffrey Vandersay

• We have not been adapting to conditions fast enough – WI Captain Hope

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Pathum Nissanka batting in nets at Pallekele

West Indies Captain Shai Hope in conversation with Head Coach Daren Sammy

With the three-match ODI series already in the bag having taken an unbeatable 2-0 lead Sri Lanka are looking at making a few changes to their side for today’s third and final match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

Right on top of the list is the return of prolific opening bat Pathum Nissanka who has recovered from a quad strain and is likely to play. The question is at whose expense? 

Nishan Madushka has been in good form scoring 69 on debut followed by 38 while Avishka Fernando has yet to click being dismissed for single digit scores (5 & 9) in the first two ODIs. One of them will be rested to accommodate Nissanka.

“Pathum is ready to play, we’ll see what the selectors will decide,” said Sri Lanka Batting Coach Thilina Kandamby.

With fast bowler Asitha Fernando having played continuous cricket, the 3-Test series in England and the first two ODIs against West Indies, he is likely to be rested and his place given to either Dilshan Madushanka or Mohamed Shiraz.

“We are talking about combinations and we are looking at getting an additional pace option. He is coming after an injury so it is a good opportunity for him. We don’t want to do too many changes because we need to win consistently,” said Kandamby.

As regards Asitha Fernando, Kandamby said, “It depends on the trainers and the Fast Bowling Coach Darshana Gamage. If he gets into the red zone he will be given a rest.”

There is also a thought of Wanindu Hasaranga or Dunith Wellalage being rested and Jeffrey Vandersay fitting into their slot. But a lot depends on the wicket that is prepared for the match. The first two ODIs were played on the same pitch, but it’s a new one that is being prepared for today’s contest.

As regards his role as Batting Coach Kandamby said that he has not tried to do too many changes. “My role was to clear whatever doubts they had. Sanath (Jayasuriya) is giving them his full backing. We have given them the right messages and they are working to a clear plan. The biggest thing is their commitment. You can see the number of balls that they are hitting at the nets. Earlier, there was a concept of not playing too many balls on the day before the game. But that’s not there anymore.”

West Indies Captain Shai Hope, trying to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash, said that if they can get a good start there could be a whole change in the context of the game.

“We have the openers and the top order batters to set the platform for the guys in the middle. We didn’t do that in this series. We had to depend a lot on the lower order which played really well in my opinion. If we get a good start in the last game there can be a whole change in the context of the game,” said Hope.

The West Indies skipper said that there are several factors you could point out for their defeats, and added, “Not adapting to the conditions fast enough is one factor. We didn’t win crucial stages of the game and the spin department has not gone right for us. We have to take a lot of learning from this series. We can’t change the past, we have to learn from it and it is very important we do so very quickly.”

“We keep fighting to get better. It’s more mental than anything else at this point of time. Skill work is skill work but we have to find ways to adapt to situations the way we can. One day’s practice is not going to make us the greatest batter or the greatest bowler, it’s more mental prep. We need to do it at this stage.”