Angelo backs SL to excel in Champions Trophy

29 May 2013 06:11 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews is confident his side can impress during the upcoming Champions Trophy tournament in the United Kingdom.

Sri Lankan players taking part in the latest edition of the 20-overs per side Indian Premier League tournament have largely struggled for form, with Mathews himself even giving up the captaincy of Pune Warriors.

Now they must adjust quickly to the very different conditions that will greet them in England and Wales when the Champions Trophy -- a 'mini World Cup' featuring the world's top eight teams in 50 overs per side one-day international cricket -- gets under way next month.

Sri Lanka, however, have impressed in recent world limited overs tournaments, reaching four of the last six finals, including the 2009 World Twenty20 — the last major global cricket event in England — where they were beaten in a Lord's final by Pakistan.

"It's not even a concern when it comes to a tournament like this because they've been here, they've done it, and I have the confidence in them," Mathews said on Tuesday in Birmingham, where Sri Lanka will play three practice matches against Pakistan, India and the West Indies at Edgbaston.

"I'm really proud to have these guys in my team because I can get a lot of information and help. I'm really happy to have them in the team.

"There has been a little bit of doubt — people keep saying that the boys in India haven't had good preparation. But I want to write it off because we are professionals and we need to get prepared for this kind of tournament because it's a huge event for everyone, personally and as a team.

"So I think we've done our preparation as a team and individually."

Sri Lanka begin the tournament proper against New Zealand in Cardiff on June 9 before facing hosts England and Australia in their two group fixtures at The Oval in south London.

"Australia and New Zealand — they're quite used to the conditions, especially in England, and with the two new balls, it's going to be tough.

"But I think our boys are up for the challenge and if we want to go far in the tournament, I think we've got to beat all the teams that come our way.

Mathews added adapting to local conditions, even more than the different challenges posed by their group rivals, would be a key test for Sri Lanka.

"We've been playing in low, slow conditions and very hot and humid conditions in the past couple months.

"Early summer is always going to be like this — wet — and it's going to swing and seam. So I think that's our main challenges as batters, and I think the bowlers have got the firepower." (AFP)

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Comments - 16

Not a Joke Wednesday, 29 May 2013 06:20 AM

All the best

Suq Madique Wednesday, 29 May 2013 06:31 AM

Usual big talk before a tournament and the usual excuses will be trotted out after they lose.

Meeharaka Wednesday, 29 May 2013 06:52 AM

He is an ideal person to do work at paddy fields.

Chinthaka Nugegodage Wednesday, 29 May 2013 12:00 AM

Gagee piinanda beri ekaata muude piinanda beriyoo

hukapan Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:04 AM

Hope this tour will not be like IPL for Angi!!!!

public Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:10 AM

happy holidays............ opps dont forget to get the laundry list to bring back from UK....

polharaa Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:21 AM

obviously any moron would say he wants to win even if he knows and he can't win...
what a looser we will be out by the furst round

jayantha silva Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:42 AM

Highly over-rated player who has not shown anything to justify the captaincy .

Premalal Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:38 AM

All the best wishes son. I know you and the team will make us proud. God bless you.

Sherlock & watson Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:46 AM

Walk the talk my man

dickie bird Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:46 AM

Hello !!! Angelo lets see how your socalled professionals deliver.
Its beeter to talk less and deliver.
You should be a performi9ng captain & not a talking one.

Critic Roshan Wednesday, 29 May 2013 07:55 AM

I am fed-up of writing comments on Sri Lanka Cricket. At least try to be the best before the last at the Champions Trophy Tournament, and enjoy the purchasings in UK.

Chana Wednesday, 29 May 2013 08:11 AM

Why don't you win a tournament for a change. Hope you will be able to retain your place after the tournament. Agree with the fact about highly overrated.

siripala Wednesday, 29 May 2013 08:20 AM

young players should be given chances to play instead of sitting on the bench. All the best for Sri lanka.

KING KONG Wednesday, 29 May 2013 08:41 AM

I hope that our boys will do well...........but I am afraid the opposite.

Banda Thursday, 30 May 2013 11:17 AM

Who cares how you and your boys do as long as the officials get their cut.

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Angelo backs SL to excel in Champions Trophy

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