Halsall dismisses Chandika factor

Following Bangladesh’s comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, the question came into the fore once again as to how Bangladesh would fare against Sri Lanka, a team which is now mentored by their just previous head coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

There was apprehension that strategically Bangladesh would be in troublesome situation due to Hathurusingha’s much knowledge on Bangladesh players. The fact was again and again was trashed but now it was further dismissed by assistant coach Richard Halsall.

He said if the batsmen can score runs, bowlers can take wickets, there is no coach in the world who can stop them.

“He (Hathurusingha) is a very good coach, but as you saw last night, it is Tamim Iqbal who scored runs, Shakib Al Hasan who took wickets. Chandika can’t score runs or take wickets,” said Halsall.

Sri Lanka came into Bangladesh with some poor performances behind them. The last year was unanimously considered as their worst international calendar in their history. They have now new coach in Hathurusingha, on whom, they have lot of expectations.

Halsall thought Sri Lanka would be very determined to get back their best and the tri-nation series would be stepping stone for them to regain their mozo.

Sri Lanka will start the tournament today with the match against Zimbabwe before taking on Bangladesh on Friday.

“Sri Lanka are a very strong side when they perform to their best. We saw that in the Champions Trophy when they beat India,” Halsall said.

“We know how they can play, but they haven’t played like that recently. It doesn’t mean they won’t play really well in three days time. They have some excellent players like Mathews and Lakmal. They have had a trough year, but they are a good side.”

Halsall dismisses Chandika factor

Following Bangladeshs comprehensive eight-wicket victory over Zimbabwe, the question came into the fore once again as to how Bangladesh would fare against Sri Lanka, a team which is now mentored by their just previous head coach Chandika Hathurusingha. There was apprehension that strategically Bangladesh would be in troublesome situation due to Hathurusinghas much knowledge on Bangladesh players. The fact was again and again was trashed but now it was further dismissed by assistant coach Richard Halsall. He said if the batsmen can score runs, bowlers can take wickets, there is no coach in the world who can stop them. He (Hathurusingha) is a very good coach, but as you saw last night, it is Tamim Iqbal who scored runs, Shakib Al Hasan who took wickets. Chandika cant score runs or take wickets, said Halsall. Sri Lanka came into Bangladesh with some poor performances behind them. The last year was unanimously considered as their worst international calendar in their history. They have now new coach in Hathurusingha, on whom, they have lot of expectations. Halsall thought Sri Lanka would be very determined to get back their best and the tri-nation series would be stepping stone for them to regain their mozo. Sri Lanka will start the tournament today with the match against Zimbabwe before taking on Bangladesh on Friday. Sri Lanka are a very strong side when they perform to their best. We saw that in the Champions Trophy when they beat India, Halsall said. We know how they can play, but they havent played like that recently. It doesnt mean they wont play really well in three days time. They have some excellent players like Mathews and Lakmal. They have had a trough year, but they are a good side.