After suffering the biggest defeat in ODI cricket history, Sri Lanka Cricket has directed the manager of Dasun Shanaka-led side to submit a report within five days. Sri Lanka were completely outclassed at Thiruvananthapuram on January 15 as they got all out for 73 after conceding 390/5.
“Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has directed the Manager of the National Team to submit a report pertaining to Sri Lanka’s heavy defeat faced against India,” read a SLC media release.
“The report should consist of views of the Captain, the Head Coach, and the Selection Panel and also the Team Manager pertaining to the loss. SLC has requested the Team Manager to submit the ‘Report,’ within a 5-day period.”
According to the release, the board wants to understand the “background to the team's dismal performances during the final ODI”.
The only win Sri Lanka registered was in the second T20I on January 15 where the visitors won by 16 runs despite Axar Patel's heroics. While the first T20Is were closely fought, India won the decider by a huge margin of 91 runs.
In the ODI series, Sri Lanka failed to pose a challenge. They lost the first ODI by 67 runs after conceding a huge total of 373/7. In the second ODI, they got all out for 215 and lost by four wickets. But the visitors completely surrendered in the final ODI as they faced a record-breaking defeat.
“It's disappointing. Not the game we would have wanted but it happens sometimes. Bowlers and batters both need to learn. How to pick wickets on these pitches and how to score runs. No idea about that (on the updates about Bandara and Vandersay). Playing positive cricket is the key. If the boys showed intent, bowling will be different. While playing international cricket, we need to play with intent. I would like to congratulate Indian team for playing this level of cricket,” Shanaka said in the post-match presentation ceremony.