Silverwood wants first innings improvements

by Rex Clementine

Sri Lanka have made significant improvements since Chris Silverwood took over as Head Coach in February this year and speaking to journalists after the two match Test series against Pakistan he said an area that he wanted the team to do well was first innings batting. Often, Sri Lanka have collapsed in the first innings when conditions were ideal for batting. They have been bailed out constantly by the tail or some spectacular knock in the second innings.

“I am pleased with the performance in the series. There are certain areas for improvement too. I’ve spoken about consistency in the bowling attack keeping to good lines and lengths more often and creating pressure. One thing that if we are honest that we really need to improve on is our first innings batting,” Silverwood said.

Sri Lanka nearly won the first Test against Pakistan as well having set a challenging target of 342 but Abdullah Shafique came up with a stunning eight and half hour marathon to take the game away from Sri Lanka.

“First game it would have been nice to have won but cricket is like that you have to accept it their batsmen played exceptionally well.”

One definite improvement during Silverwood’s tenure is the lower order putting up a genuine effort to contribute crucial runs.

“Lower order contributions is crucial. Its something that we have worked extremely hard in the nets and we make sure that the bowlers in the lower order get plenty of batting practice. We put emphasis on them to play and think like a batsman and emphasis on creating partnerships when the guys are in. It seems to be working although it doesn’t pay off all the time.”

One of Silverwood’s concerns is that Sri Lanka’s next Test series is eight months down the line in New Zealand.

“It’s a long break we need to play some cricket so that when we go to New Zealand we are well prepared, that’s something we have been planning.”