India drubbing worst of career, says Chandimal

Tuesday, 15 August 2017 00:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

AFP: Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal declared the Test series which ended Monday in a whitewash by India to be the worst of his career, after the hosts were brushed aside by an innings and 171 runs.

India defeated Sri Lanka inside three days in the third and final Test, dismissing the beleaguered islanders for 181 during their follow-on in an extended second session in Pallekele. For Sri Lanka it was their second successive innings defeat and another blow for a side beset by injury woes and leadership changes.

Chandimal, 27, was appointed Test captain after Angelo Mathews stood down last month in the wake of a humiliating one-day series loss to Zimbabwe.

But the thrashing by India on home soil was a low for the veteran of 39 Test matches.

“Toughest series no doubt in my career,” he told reporters.

“We were not able to take the games to five days. There have been four-day Tests and three-day Tests. Worst series ever.

“Credit goes to India. They have played outstandingly well in the series... losing within two and half days you cannot give any excuses.”

Bowling mainstay Rangana Herath was absent in the final Test, while injuries kept all-rounder Asela Gunaratne and paceman Nuwan Pradeep on the bench.

Chandimal said injuries dogged some of his best players, including Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Herath and Gunaratne.

“I would say the main concern is injuries. The Australia series, we had everyone fit,” he said.

“I don’t want to give excuses. We have to perform better than this,” he said, apologising to home fans.

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