During the home series against Australia last year, as well as against Zimbabwe, there were signs that Sri Lanka test team is somewhat settling, after the high profile retirements of their legends. they thrashed Australia 3-0 and dominated Zimbabwe at their home soil, by winning 2-0. But against Bangladesh today, the old demons of inconsistency resurfaced.
They won the toss, the most important thing at home over the years. During the great Murali era, there was quite a simple formula to win a home test against touring teams: win the toss, pile a first innings total of over 500 and relied on the spinners to rattle the opposition.
But, against Bangladesh, they failed to put a winning total, even after winning the toss. though, Dinesh Chandimal made a fighting century, there were no support from other batsmen, and it was clearly appeared from the day two that 338 is a below par first innings total, even against Bangladesh.
Indeed, this defeat is one of the lowest point in the history of Sri Lanka cricket. More importantly, the defeat will create uncertainty, as they are trying to build a team with youngsters.
There are many things to ponder for selectors. Dimuth Karunaratne still doesn’t make runs in the first innings, even though he made a century in the second innings. They need a bowling spearhead like Lahiru kumara, Dhammika Prasad, who can rattle the opposition. and they need one or two batsmen, who can make big hundreds consitantly, as Kusal Mendis did in the first test.
