Dilshan wants a more attacking approach

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Cricket365
November 10, 2014

Veteran Sri Lanka batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan was concerned about how the top order performed in the first ODI against India, saying they needed to be more attacking in the power play overs when batting.

India won that game by 196 runs after bowling Sri Lanka out for 194, and it was a dire effort from the Sri Lankans, who seemed disgruntled at having to be taking part in the hastily arranged series.

But Dilshan insisted they wanted solutions: "I think in any match you have to start well and especially when you are chasing 350-plus.

"We didn't do that and they (India) bowled really well. The two new-ball bowlers were really good. But come tomorrow, I think we have to change our approach.

"We need to attack a bit in the first 10 overs and put the Indian bowlers under pressure. We didn't take the risk (at Cuttack) but it might be tomorrow.

"I think we have in the past not done well at the start but have bounced back in the series. We have to forget what happened in the last match and play our brand of cricket. That's the main target for the team. And as a team we are just focusing on that."

He also said that while they missed premier paceman Lasith Malinga, this was a good chance for new players to get their feet in the door ahead of the World Cup.

Dilshan added: "I think he is a great bowler and he has done really well for Sri Lanka in the last five-six years but this is a good opportunity for the youngsters.

"If you see, (Lahiru) Gamage bowled really well in the first match. It's a good challenge for the youngsters to get the job done for Sri Lanka."