Ford: SL batsmen face a ‘huge mental challenge’

Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford feels their young batting line up faces a huge mental challenge as they prepare for the three Test matches in England, starting later this month.
The Asian side will return to England for the first time since their historic Test series victory over the hosts in 2014, but this time it will be under different circumstances.
Sri Lanka have lost batting stalwarts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene and the side has struggled to turn over good results with younger players been given a chance.
Now in his second stint as coach of Sri Lanka, Ford is positive that the batsmen especially will cope with the seaming conditions in the UK.
Ford said: "In our batting group, having lost a couple of senior players, there are some new young guys who have come in.
"They've worked extremely hard in the last few weeks. We've been fortunate enough in Colombo to train on some pitches that are similar to what we're likely to get in England.
"That's been pleasing to see how those younger players have been adapting to those conditions. Of course it's going to be a huge mental challenge for them, because it is going to be about grinding out big hundreds.
"A lot of that comes from having done it and experience."
The first Test between Sri Lanka and England gets underway on 19 May at Headingley.
Latest
-
News
Nine rookies in Pakistan squad for South Africa series
Pakistan have included nine uncapped players in their 20-man squad for the two-Tests against South Africa, starting on January 26.
-
News
Labuschagne disappointment after not scoring ‘big’ hundred
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne might have been the star of the show on the first day of the fourth Test against India.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England Day 2: Joe Root excels alongside debutant Dan Lawrence
The England captain and his new team-mate added 173 to build England’s advantage.
-
News
Joe Root backs up plea for strong England start with century against Sri Lanka
The skipper had urged his team to impress from the word go and led by example with 168 not out in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root century strengthens England’s grip on first Test against Sri Lanka
Dan Lawrence hits 73 on debut as England reach 320 for four at tea, a lead of 185.
-
News
England captain Joe Root celebrates a century against Sri Lanka
Root brought up his 18th Test ton after being stranded on 99 at lunch in Galle.
-
News
Joe Root 99 not out at lunch as England look to build big advantage
Root and Test debutant Dan Lawrence have steered the tourists to a lead of 71 with seven wickets intact.
-
News
Heather Knight excited by freedom on offer after New Zealand quarantine
England Women will be able to break out of the coronavirus ‘bubble’ lifestyle in a country which has effectively contained the disease.
-
News
Sri Lanka v England day one: Tourists carve out dominant performance in Galle
The tourists skittled Sri Lanka for 135 then replied with 127 for two.
-
News
Stuart Broad and England in ‘dream world’ after superb first day in Sri Lanka
Broad took three wickets and Dom Bess five before Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow took England within eight runs of their hosts’ total.