Sri Lanka resume training with focus on fitness

After four months away from the game, Chamari Atapattu, Sri Lanka skipper, said the team has returned to training with an eye on their next international tour. An extended squad - consisting of 35 players - has begun training at the Khettarama Max Academy in Colombo three days a week. Practice sessions are being overseen by interim head coach Mahesh Weerasinghe.



The camp has begun with a focus on fitness. All 20 contracted players, and 15 members of the emerging squad are part of the training group.



For the first time since 2005, Sri Lanka will be without the services of two of their senior pros, Shashikala Siriwardene and Sripali Weerakkody who recently announced their retirements from the international arena. While acknowledging that neither can be replaced quickly, Atapattu said their absence will give young players an opportunity to showcase their skills.



ALSO READ: Mahesh Weerasinghe appointed interim head coach of Sri Lanka



“The retirement of experienced players like Shashikala Siriwardena and Sripali Weerakkody is a big loss for the team. This will give the youngsters a good opportunity to fill these vacant places,” Atapattu told Sunday Observer.



"Sripali is a qualified trainer from Australia and we like to see her with our support staff in the future."



Speaking about the team's performance in the recently concluded ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 in Australia, Atapattu said she was disappointed that the team only managed one win. They showed great promise against both Australia and New Zealand - with the skipper leading the way - but were unable to close out either game, getting knocked out in the first round.



ALSO READ: Chamari Atapattu: Sri Lanka's big, burly basher



“Actually I cannot be happy with our performance at the last World Cup T20 tournament. Our fielding was not up to expectations at important matches. At times the middle order struggled after making a good start and these are the areas we have to develop for the benefit of the future,” she said.



Sri Lanka were meant to host the Women's World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, but the tournament had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is still no official word about when and where the tournament will take place, it is understood the ICC are targeting a date towards the end of the year.



Atapattu said she is hopeful that Sri Lanka will return to the field soon.



“We have to be ready for the future tournaments. We hope SLC will extend their fullest support to get maximum results,” she concluded.