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Cape Town - Proteas coach Russell Domingo has had a challenging maiden tour of Sri Lanka, but remains positive despite the Proteas trailing 2-0 in the five match ODI series.
The Proteas travelled to the leafy region of Kandy on Wednesday, where conditions are expected to offer some pace and bounce in the two-must win matches at Pallekele on Friday and Sunday.
“We’ll assess conditions when we get to our first training session on Thursday, but I think conditions are a little different to what they were in Colombo,” Domingo said at the team hotel.
“It will be important for us to build on our improved performance in the last match and try to be more consistent in the next two in Kandy.”
The marked improvement with the ball and in the field was overshadowed by another batting collapse, the constant let-down from the performances in Colombo. Domingo was unable to explain the cause of the poor batting displays, but has called for a show of mature responsibility, particularly from his senior players.
“It’s a tough one to explain,” a disappointed Domingo remarked.
“I suppose there are a few guys who are trying to find their way in ODI cricket and obviously not having Hashim for the first two matches was a big blow for us. Ultimately there are guys who need to put in some big performances, they know that there will be some questions asked about their form over a period of time in this format; it’s important that they put their hands up and put in some match-winning performances going forward.”
In contrast, Morne Morkel has shown great qualities as the leader of the attack, and has been an astute role model highlighted by the way he has led through his performances on the field.
“Morne has been outstanding on and off the field,” Domingo said.
“He is a wonderful professional and has really led from the front in a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, especially considering that Chris Morris has only played four ODI’s. He has been outstanding in terms of preparation and performances on the field.”
The Proteas travelled to the leafy region of Kandy on Wednesday, where conditions are expected to offer some pace and bounce in the two-must win matches at Pallekele on Friday and Sunday.
“We’ll assess conditions when we get to our first training session on Thursday, but I think conditions are a little different to what they were in Colombo,” Domingo said at the team hotel.
“It will be important for us to build on our improved performance in the last match and try to be more consistent in the next two in Kandy.”
The marked improvement with the ball and in the field was overshadowed by another batting collapse, the constant let-down from the performances in Colombo. Domingo was unable to explain the cause of the poor batting displays, but has called for a show of mature responsibility, particularly from his senior players.
“It’s a tough one to explain,” a disappointed Domingo remarked.
“I suppose there are a few guys who are trying to find their way in ODI cricket and obviously not having Hashim for the first two matches was a big blow for us. Ultimately there are guys who need to put in some big performances, they know that there will be some questions asked about their form over a period of time in this format; it’s important that they put their hands up and put in some match-winning performances going forward.”
In contrast, Morne Morkel has shown great qualities as the leader of the attack, and has been an astute role model highlighted by the way he has led through his performances on the field.
“Morne has been outstanding on and off the field,” Domingo said.
“He is a wonderful professional and has really led from the front in a relatively inexperienced bowling attack, especially considering that Chris Morris has only played four ODI’s. He has been outstanding in terms of preparation and performances on the field.”
