JOIN US“Yes, we don’t have the services of two of our best spinners. But even in India, Suraj Randiv was our best spinner.
“Malinga Bandara has been around for years and he gets another opportunity here. M Pushpakamara is a spin bowling all-rounder. So we are not worried about that,” Bayliss said here.
“We are in a phase of new players coming through. Even in India there were injuries and we didn’t play our full strength. Young players got a chance because of injuries and we are pretty happy with their performance. Also the youthful enthusiasm has rubbed on the team,” he added.
On the future of veteran Sanath Jayasuriya, he said, “It’s up to him and what pressure he can put on the others in the team.
“Tharanga has played really well in the last series. He and Dilshan looked good for the World Cup. So let’s see.”
Bayliss acknowledged that Mahela Jayawardene’s form is a concern, “It’s a concern to Mahela and he himself would acknowledge that he has not been scoring much runs in ODIs.
“But he is too good a player. Our top three have been doing well and so perhaps there have not been enough chances for Mahela to score.”
Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said his team was prepared well for the series.
“We have been doing well for the last few months.
“The series against West Indies and Zimbabwe might not have given us ideal preparation against Sri Lanka and India, but I am happy about the way the boys have shaped up recently.”
Siddons also added the absence of some big names in the Sri Lankan line-up has provided them with a good chance. “Their absence is a big chance for us, and hopefully we can capitalise on it,” Siddons said.