Sri Lanka improve after Thursday's debacle - Gwen Herat

by Herbert Perera

'After the humiliating defeat in their first ODI against England, Sri Lanka performed in the second ODI to get the visitors out in the 50 overs. It was a vast improvement, but our batting failed to click and lost by 99 runs.

"There were six young newcomers who debuted in this series and I must commend them for being bold enough to race the English attack. They were strong and given some time, they will pick up, fast", Gwen Herat, President, WCASL and Sri Lanka Cricket/WC told the Daily News after the series.

'Sweenie de Alwis who captured 3 for 30 was equally good with the bat. There were six newcomers who debuted in this series and they came out strong. Given the time, they will pick up, I am sure they will'.

Example is the case of Sweenie de Alwis who top scored for with 29 that included a six as well as capturing 3 wickets for 30', Gwen Herat, President WCASL and Sri Lanka Cricket/WC told the Daily News. But she said 'The batting failed which was disastrous on an otherwise good team work'. They are now preparing for the Asia Cup tour to Pakistan end of the year and are due also to face the touring MCC side in early February next year', Herat further said.

Charlotte Dickinson, Manager for England commenting on SL team said 'The girls rallied round very well in the second ODI and fielded well. Bowling too was good but they have to improve on batting.

"With their seven years in cricket, they are good as against our twenty five years. With more experience, they will make it to the top and with a determined cricket boss in Gwen Herat, SL is on the right track', Dickenson told the Daily News after the presentation ceremony.

England 206 in 50 overs (Laura Newton 60, Jenny Gunn 49, Caroline Atkins 32, Laura Harper 10, P. Udawatte 2 for 2, Sweenie de Alwis 3 for 30).

Sri Lanka 107 in 41 overs (Dedunu de Silva 13, Sandamalie Dolewatte 10, Sweenie de Alwis 29, D. Chandrawathie 9, Rosalie Birch 4 for 22, Isa Guha 2 for 13).