Sridhar Highlights Fielding Challenge at Pallekele Ahead of England Clash

The upcoming match between Sri Lanka vs England at Pallekele is under the threat of rain. This makes the ground conditions tricky for both teams, as fielding on a wet outfield won’t be easy for anyone. The fielding consultant of Sri Lanka, R Sridhar, highlighted the same issue while talking to reporters. He said that fielding on a wet Pallekele surface could prove to be a unique challenge in the upcoming contest.

"We were below par in terms of fielding inside the inner ring. That is something which has been spoken about already and this ground will probably prove a different challenge because the outfield being under covers for so long and so much of activity happening on the ground,” said the fielding consultant of Sri Lanka, R Sridhar.

“It's going to be a challenge to be really flashy and brilliant on this ground. So we'll have to look at the strategies we adapt as a fielding team on this outfield." added R Sridhar.

He then admitted that the outfield conditions at Pallekele are far from ideal, requiring players to apply the basics while fielding on the ground.

"With regards to the outfield, it is not in the best of the conditions. So I think you go back to your school days, right? The simple basics you apply, like getting your body behind the ball, and having a second line of defence, and backing up each other at the appropriate times." said R Sridhar.

The coach then applauded Pathum Nissanka, saying his effort to dismiss Glenn Maxwell was exceptional as it defined the excellence of Sri Lanka’s fielding.

"I think what stood out in that catch was the anticipation. I think he saw what Maxwell was going to do pretty early and got into a position from where he could attempt that catch. So that itself is a win, irrespective of whether he caught it or not. Him catching it was probably icing on the cake, I would say. It probably lit up the tournament. Until that point, we had some good moments, but that was a stunning moment.” said R Sridhar.