Murali: Sri Lanka enduring ‘transition phase’
Sri Lanka spin legend Muttiah Muralitharan has been dismayed by how poorly the team has played in recent months, including in the first Test against India, but feels they've got a lot to contend with as players are retiring.
With Kumar Sangakkara on his way out in one Test's time, and Mahela Jayawardene also retiring recently, Sri Lanka have struggled in recent months, particularly with the bat. They lost all three recent series to Pakistan.
But Murali feels they need to get through this 'transition'. He said on IBN live: "We had so many great players who have retired and we're struggling.
"They're going through a transition phase with some new faces coming up.
"It'll take some time, at least one or two years for the team to build again. So it's advantage India at the moment."
Murali added of India's spinners, who have dominated in Galle: "India have got very good spin attack at the moment.
"Ashwin has done well yesterday. He's a good bowler and the wicket was helping the spinners, a flat and turning track.
"India will be in a strong position, they have got better spin attack and better combination. Unlike us, they have set players who are together for a long time.
"We've some good promising players. They're all young, changes will happen. We've to give them some time."
Latest
-
NewsOlly Stone ready to ‘bash down the door’ after England recall
The Warwickshire paceman was included in the one-day international squad against South Africa and impressed in an intra-squad warm-up game.
-
NewsSam Billings striving to make sure he keeps place in ‘phenomenal’ England side
Billings and Joe Root put on 103 for Jos Buttler’s XI in a 40-over intra-squad warm-up victory in Cape Town.
-
NewsJoe Root hits decisive 77 as Jos Buttler’s team triumph in England warm-up match
The 23-man squad was split in two for the 40-over practice match in Cape Town, with Team Eoin Morgan challenging Team Buttler.
-
NewsJoe Root hits 77 as England warm-up in Cape Town ahead of South Africa series
England split their squad into two teams for a 40-over practice match.
-
NewsWarm-up match cancelled after second Proteas player tests positive for COVID-19
There will be no intra-squad warm-up for the Proteas thanks to a COVID-19 outbreak.
-
NewsChris Jordan says South Africa should not be ‘judged’ for not taking a knee
Barbados-born Jordan says racial inequality remains a pressing matter among England’s diverse squad.
-
NewsLockie Ferguson prepared to wait for his Test break
Injury to Lockie Ferguson allowed Kyle Jamieson to seize his opportunity to impress Black Caps team management before lockdown.
-
NewsICC makes alterations to World Test Championship points system
COVID-19 has forced the ICC to amend the points system for the 2019-21 World Test Championship.
-
NewsWorld leading Dawid Malan ready to prove himself again in South Africa
Yorkshire batsman has impressed in T20 cricket.
-
NewsEngland captain Knight welcomes cricket’s return to Commonwealth Games
Cricket will return to the Commonwealth Games in 2022 with a Women’s T20 tournament.