Lahiru Thirimanne to be left out for the third Test in Delhi

The Sri Lankan team is expected to make a few changes ahead of the final Test in Delhi. Facing a huge loss by an innings and 239 runs, the Islanders would be looking forward to making some vital changes in the side. While Rangana Herath is flying back home owing to a back pain, more shuffling is expected in the batting order. Sri Lanka maybe considering leaving behind Lahiru Thirimanne. The vice captain has been going through a poor patch this season.

Selector Asanka Gurusinha spoke about how valuable the number three position was. He spoke about the mentality of a No.3 batsman. “It is to me the most important position in the batting order – number three. Sometimes you walk in in the first over or you stay in the dressing room for two or three sessions. The mental switch that you have to do between certain scenarios is huge,” Gurusinha told Cricbuzz.

Thirimanne has played some bad shots in the last game

Talking about Lahiru Thirimanne, he didn’t mince any words and remarked that the left handed batsman played some poor shots. He further told that he lacked temperament. “It is affecting us. It is a lie if we say no. Thiri played some very bad shots in the last game which he shouldn’t have. You said the word temperament and that is lacking,” Gurusinha added.

He further told that staying at the crease and building innings was key for the islanders.

“The biggest issue that we are having is that we are not batting three or four sessions. That’s where we are struggling. If you are going to get 400 runs in an innings, you need at least one guy to bat long. That was one reason why we won against Pakistan as we scored 400 plus and batted for more than 150 overs,” Gurusinha noted.

Young guys are playing too much T20 cricket

He stressed on youngsters not focusing much on test cricket. He emphasised on the need of playing more test cricket in the domestic level. “Young guys who are coming into the Test squad are playing too much T20 cricket. Even schools are playing T20 tournaments. In three day games, they keep playing all these shots and get away, but Test cricket is Test cricket. The name says it all. It tests your mental toughness and your skill. That’s what we are lacking at the moment.”

Talking about the Indian Premier League, Gurusinha told that inspite of playing well in IPL, the players had to do well in Ranji Trophy. This is when they provide a statement to the selectors.

“I was talking to a couple of people in Indian coaching staff and it is their Ranji Trophy which is quite strong. You take Ranji Trophy, there are big scores in every game. Even though they play IPL, all players need to go back to Ranji Trophy and perform.”

He gave an example of Jasprit Bumrah as to how he was playing the Ranji Trophy inspite of being a limited overs player.

“Everyone is talking about Jasprit Bumrah, the T20 bowler. He is playing Ranji Trophy and is amongst wickets. I think India has told him that we are interested in you playing Test cricket, but you’ve got to go back and prove it to us. What IPL has done is to give so much talent. But they are harnessing in so many areas, one-dayers and Tests and building on that. I would love to have a scenario where we have to drop or rest someone and the replacement is someone who averages 50 in Tests,” concluded Gurusinha.