Sri Lanka skipper says battered team will bounce back in SAfrica

Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal insisted Monday his battered team can lift their game and be competitive on the upcoming tour to South Africa despite being outplayed over two Tests by Australia.

The visitors lost the opening day-night Test in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs inside three days and followed it up by a 366-run thrashing on day four in Canberra. It extended a dire run of results for troubled Sri Lanka, who have been hit by injuries and off-field dramas.

They have now lost a home series to England 3-0, then away to New Zealand 1-0 to go with their two defeats in Australia.

The first Test in South Africa looms on February 13, with the squad flying straight there from Australia this week to continue a gruelling overseas schedule.

"We are a young team and always learning how to play, especially in these tough conditions. We will bounce back in South Africa," Chandimal said "I mean, they are three tough tours, we have finished two and now South Africa.

"South Africa is similar to these conditions and with very good bowlers. We know that as a team we have to play in tough conditions and we need to adjust to those conditions and step up as a team."
"So now this is the time to play your game and play for your team."