Malinga frustrated as familiar failings scupper Sri Lanka
Lasith Malinga was scathing of his Sri Lanka team-mates after another poor display with the bat contributed to their six-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa on Wednesday.
The tourists were rolled out for just 189 in the fourth ODI in Port Elizabeth as the Proteas took a 4-0 lead with one match to come in the series.
Only two of Sri Lanka’s top six managed double figures and they were indebted to a late blitz from number nine Isuru Udana, who crashed seven fours and four sixes in his entertaining 78 from only 57 balls.
Following the second ODI, which saw the visitors skittled for only 138, Malinga said his side “must understand their own value” on the international scene and the veteran seamer was similarly critical after this latest loss at St George’s Park.
“You can’t say much,” said the captain. “We are going on the same path. The wicket was very suitable for the bat, but the batsmen didn’t realise the value and the opportunity to play a long innings.
“Being six down inside 18 overs, it’s very hard to come back. We always talk about taking responsibility and putting our hands up to bat through the full 50 overs, but the last few years, we’ve been struggling to do that.
“Before we get to the World Cup, we have to realise that and get there. Some people don’t realise their value and do their job for the national team.
“This is a good, tough side to play before the World Cup. All the players need to realise these are the conditions we need to prepare for at the World Cup.”
Winning skipper Faf du Plessis, meanwhile, was glad to see David Miller and JP Duminy steer the chase home after he and Quinton de Kock had fallen when well set.
“It’s really pleasing to see JP and Dave finish it off for us,” he said. “That’s what we want our middle order to do for us.
“Big picture, it’s not the worst thing that Quinton and I got out today, because it gave those guys a chance.
“We’re playing some really good cricket. All the stuff that needed to happen over the last six months or year has happened. One more [match] to go, and then the guys off to IPL, and then it’s an exciting two months for us.”
(Omnisport)
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Malinga should practice what he preaches. His run out was a classic example of irreponsible careless cricket. Not that it would have made adifference. As for South Africa it seems they are playing really good cricket. The fact is Sri Lanka is playing very poor cricket
maling to be recalled to lead a team that is in tatters is a disgrace to the establishment from the minsters tot the board and the lot. During the past decade or earlier the mantle of cricket was carried by a few individuals amongst the a few individuals were and inspiration not only for their cricket but the sense on integrity. Few would recall what they went through to identify on the world stages as cricketers and to be respected as cricketers not unlike a few who have followed their distorted ambitions to prop their egos.
Something that has contributed to the collapse of the quality of cricket in sri lanka.
This is a pathological condition that permeates throughout the systemand ought to be treated accordingly if sri lankan sports men and women are to be accepted as amabassadors and respected accordingly,
Sri Lanka Cricket should be banned for 2 years, or step down from international cricket for next 2 years.
During this period, governance bodies should develop the school and club cricket to bring out proper players.
There are many players who are not selected can really contribute to the cricket.
Starting from the coach, whole team should be revamped.
Also there are many EX-Players who has capability of building the team providing statements staying outside. Even though they cant come into the board or management committee they still has the responsibility against the country.
Those exp-players are earning and earned because of Sri Lanka cricket. They might have built restaurants, shopping complexes, and factories etc, but they should be aware that the foundation they received from Cricket. Invested by the government and the tax paying people.
Individual talent is one thing, but this is a team game and country game as well.
Also some few ex-players should take responsibility for the current situation too.
We should get proper analysts, who analyze opponent team players capabilities, weak points and make a winning game plan. If coach can not do this he is not capable.
There are much more technologies available, but we don’t see any in place now.
If any player involved in any personal agendas during any series or game should be banned for 2 games. Player’s mobile phones should be forfeited during the series/game and provide analog phone to communicate to family in given times.
If any player is having any personal issue with other player should be out of the team till it resolved. Till then should not allowed to play any game.