Mathews targets more improvement
Captain Angelo Mathews has insisted Sri Lanka will draw on the inspiration gained from a hard-fought draw at Lord's last week, when the series decider against England gets underway at Headingley on Friday.
Captain Angelo Mathews has insisted Sri Lanka will draw on the inspiration gained from a hard-fought draw at Lord's last week, when the series decider against England gets underway at Headingley on Friday.
England were able to declare twice in London and had the opposition nine wickets down late on day five. Tail-ender Nuwan Pradeep, however, survived a nervy final five deliveries to ensure a cliffhanger stalemate.
"It's going to be our last game in England for the season and we look forward to giving them a good fight and hopefully win it. We will go out there and play positive cricket," said Mathews.
"The way we fought and the way the boys showed their character was good. But with our bowling, batting and fielding we still can improve, in all three departments."
Wicketkeeper-batsman Prasanna Jayawardene has been ruled out of the Leeds fixture by a finger injury. The talented Dinesh Chandimal is expected to be the replacement in the XI, while the veteran Kumar Sangakkara or inexperienced Kaushal Silva will likely keep wicket.
England, meanwhile, are on the brink of naming an unchanged team. Alternatively, all-rounder Chris Woakes might be drafted in ahead of fast bowler James Anderson or Stuart Broad.
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