Mathews fine with loss if players keep fighting
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has urged his young team to play positively in the second Test against New Zealand this week, and to not worry about defeat as long as they keep fighting hard.
The Black Caps are favourites in the cricket odds to win the second Test after wrapping up the first in Dunedin relatively easily.
Sri Lanka's batsmen were too cautious and Mathews wants them to be more aggressive and to do their part to reward the bowlers' good efforts.
Mathews said ahead of the Hamilton clash: "It's just a matter of getting our mindset right. It doesn't matter if we lose 2-0 by trying to win this game.
"Our seamers will also get some assistance. We have a very good chance. It's just a matter of applying ourselves."
"As I keep saying, we've got to be positive from the word go, not look to be too cautious, and just go out there and enjoy and play positive cricket."
Mathews also indicated that they would not be making many, if any, changes for the second Test: "We're trying to settle in as a team.
"I know we have so many younger players, but we just can't throw them out after one game.
"We have to show faith in them. We might lose the odd Test on the way, but it's just a matter of having patience and trusting them."
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