Shanaka Blames Spin-Friendly Pitches for Sri Lanka’s Batting Struggles
The Sri Lankan cricket team’s struggles with batting-friendly pitches have been a long-standing issue. Captain Dasun Shanaka has recently expressed concerns over the challenging conditions at home. The team has faced significant difficulties, particularly after suffering a 3-0 defeat against England in a recent series.
Shanaka on Pitch Conditions
Dasun Shanaka highlighted the need for better batting tracks as his team prepares for the World Cup. He mentioned the importance of pitch preparation and its impact on player performance. “The ICC has advised ground staff to maintain some grass on the pitch,” Shanaka noted. “This is expected to reduce the number of dismissals and provide better conditions for batting.”
Previous Performance and Future Expectations
Despite these hopes, Shanaka’s own recent performances were modest, with scores of 20 off 16 balls, 1, and 4. The team’s issues extend beyond the England series. Since the beginning of 2024, Sri Lanka has won only nine out of 22 T20 International matches at home.
- Matches Played: 22
- Wins: 9
- Losses: 13
Earlier captains, including Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, have echoed Shanaka’s sentiments about the need for flatter pitches. “We have a lot of good spinners, but other teams also possess quality spin bowlers,” he remarked. “A balanced approach with 50-50 wickets would be beneficial in the future.”
The Gap Between Sri Lanka and India
Shanaka acknowledged a noticeable disparity in T20I batting conditions between Sri Lanka and India. Since 2020, the T20I strike rate in India is 143, while Sri Lanka’s is only 123. “The quality of pitches in India contributes significantly to their high scoring rates,” he explained. He believes that favorable conditions could lead to improved performances from Sri Lankan batters in the World Cup.
Looking Ahead
Shanaka is optimistic that this tournament will provide an opportunity for his team to showcase their abilities. He is confident that the expected pitch conditions will support better batting performances, helping to combat the criticisms that have emerged from their recent struggles.
