Dilshan positive on facing Proteas

Yasaratne GAMAGE

Sri Lanka skipper TM Dilshan was confident that his team would not repeat what happened in Dubai and said that the team is in good form to challenge South Africa who are the third in the ICC test rankings.

Dilshan addressed the media at SLC premises after the team participated in the religious blessings prior to the departure for South Africa where they will play three Tests and five one day internationals.

‘We practiced well and we know what went wrong in the last series. We won’t do let those mistakes to happen again and as a team, we hope to do our best. There are 10 days for us to get used to the South African conditions and with the practice match, I hope things would be better’ said Dilshan.

When asked how Sri Lankan youth bowling would make an impact against the South Africans, the Lankan skipper was positive on making use of his bowlers, getting the full use of them.

Dilshan also said that he is hoping to make big scores which would eventually help the team score and expected the same from other batsmen. The skipper also said that it is better if they refrain from making even a single mistake against the powerful Proteas. “Positive mentality would us a lot”, said Dilshan.

‘Some of us have been in the club matches which helped us to keep in form. We should play according to itinerary’ said Dilshan.

Addressing the media, former captain Kumar Sangakkara reiterated of the importance of working as a team and to be strong despite of past setbacks to overcome South Africans. He also noted that he would remove keeping gloves if someone else would do better than him when asked about giving opportunity to young players.

Sri Lanka will play three tests starting from December 15, and five ODIs commencing from January 11 , 2012.