Sri Lanka’s Test captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, has expressed his disappointment with his team’s limited Test schedule, considering it a significant disadvantage for a team of their caliber. With only four Tests scheduled for the year, including the ongoing two-match series against Australia and two upcoming home Tests against Bangladesh in 2025, de Silva believes that Sri Lanka deserves more opportunities to showcase their talent on the international stage.
“It’s really disappointing, as a good Test cricketing country, to have only four Tests,” de Silva remarked on the eve of the Australia series. “Honestly, it is a big disadvantage, especially considering ours is a good side, as well.” The lack of fixtures not only impacts the team’s competitive edge but also hampers their chances of climbing the rankings and qualifying for prestigious tournaments like the World Test Championship.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of making it to the World Test Championship final were dashed after a series of setbacks, including losses to South Africa and Pakistan earlier in the cycle. Despite their near misses, de Silva remains optimistic about finishing the current cycle on a strong note. “We were close to getting to the WTC final,” he reflected. “We have a good side and we were unlucky in a couple of games. If you take the two Tests we lost to Pakistan [at the start of the cycle] that was a big drawback. But we need to finish the cycle strong. If we can get to No. 3, then we will be satisfied.”
However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, as Sri Lanka’s limited Test opportunities pose a significant hurdle in their quest for success. De Silva emphasized the need for more fixtures to allow the team to consistently compete at the highest level and fulfill their potential. “We’re hoping to discuss the opportunity to play more Test series and hopefully we get an open window for that,” he stated. “Hopefully Sri Lanka Cricket can organize something. But all we can do is control what we can, and play good cricket in the matches that we do get.”
Despite the obstacles they face, de Silva and his team remain determined to make the most of the opportunities they are given and strive for excellence in each match they play. As they prepare to take on Australia in the current series, the Sri Lankan captain is focused on delivering a strong performance and showcasing the team’s capabilities on the field.
In the words of renowned cricket writer Andrew Fidel Fernando, “Sri Lanka’s limited Test schedule presents a significant challenge for the team, but their resilience and determination to succeed against the odds may just prove to be their greatest strength.” As the cricketing world watches with bated breath, the Sri Lankan team’s journey unfolds with a mix of uncertainty, hope, and unwavering resolve.
