Sangakkara expects consistency by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	KC Sangakkara
Event:	New Zealand in Sri Lanka 2009

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DateLine: 8th September 2009

 

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara has asked his batsmen to show more consistency as they prepare for the first match of the Tri-series.

 

Following convincing victories in the Test series against New Zealand, the hosts have suffered a complete reversal in fortunes, losing both Twenty20 internationals against the Black Caps.

 

"We have to get our batting unit to fire consistently, and that's something we have been working on," said Sangakkara.

 

"It hasn't been working for us - and I think our bowlers, by their splendid performances, have bailed us out quite a few times.

 

"We have a lot of things to work on, going into the one-day series.

 

"We have to start somewhere, and the first one-dayer in the Tri-series is the place."

 

One of Sri Lanka's major problems has been the lack of runs from veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya.

 

But Sangakkara said that Jayasuriya, can still prove a valuable asset in building a team for the 2011 World Cup.

 

"It's always a concern when a batsman is out of form," the captain acknowledges.

 

"But we all know what he can do and what he has done.

 

"We have to give him every opportunity to get back in there and score runs.

 

"We have got to build the side up and we have got to get a good solid core around which younger players can come into the team and help build the best side we can towards winning the World Cup next year."