Published: Apr 08, 2014, 05:43 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 08, 2014, 05:43 PM (IST)
Apr 8, 2014
Nuwan Zoysa, the former Sri Lanka’s fast bowler and now the coach of Goa feels that the main reason behind his country’s victory against India in the ICC World T20 2014 was their bowling attack.
“Lanka bowling was spot on, especially when it came to yorkers. India’s batting line-up is mighty, but the bowlers had done their homework and became difficult to score off them. Virat Kohli is a big-match player and consistent in different formats. Even he had to be patient. Otherwise, limiting the Indian batting to 130 is unthinkable.” Zoysa said in an interview with The Hindu.
“The World Cup victory could not have been timed better by the team as a farewell gift for Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. These are greats who gave so much to the game.
“A World Cup Trophy was the only missing link in their collection. Both had made public their retirement decision, teammates made sure they went out on a high.”
When asked what the difference was from the last World T20, where Sri Lanka lost on home soil in the finals, Zoysa said the support system that the team had made the major difference.
“The 1996 World Cup-winning batch moulded this bunch in its own ways. Hashan Tillekeratne, Chaminda Vaas passed on experience. I am sure Murali [Muralitharan] worked on the bowlers, though not officially listed as support staff. Having the world’s feared opener Sanath Jayasuriya as selectors’ chairman helps.”
He admires the ability of Mahela Jaywardene to inspire the whole team in the dressing room.
“When I was doing a Level II coaching course back home, foreigners coaching Lanka like Graham Ford and Trevor Bayliss addressed us. I remember getting charged up hearing Jayawardene speak about leadership. He had the same effect on younger teammates,” quipped the ex-Lanka fast bowler who played many lower-order cameos in the later part of his career.
He also feels having senior players in the dressing room helps the other players to learn a lot and gain experience.
“Sharing the dressing room with these big names and seniors Marvan Attapattu was an honour. The youngsters coming into the team these days know what is expected from them. Thisara Perera (23 off 14 balls) was given a role to do and he went out and delivered.”
The Goa-coach said that Kumar Sangakkara was one of the most famous Sri Lankan players in Goa.
“It is difficult to follow him, I advise Goa players to pick the best in Lankan greats they admire. Jayawardene’s batting style in T20 for example, he plays classical shots and boundaries keep coming. A boundary is equal to four runs, whether coming off a stylish Jayawardene shot or a fierce slog. You don’t need power to hit fours or sixes I keep reminding them.”
