Sri Lanka team management blames pitch for loss vs NZ

Vancouver:  Sri Lanka's chief selector and manager Ashantha de Mel has blamed the pitch for his team's first loss against New Zealand in the ongoing World Cup at the Cardiff on June 1. 

"The wicket was very green and there had been 8 to 9 mm of grass on the wicket. The wicket in England during this time of the year is always green and all visiting teams suffer on this wicket. The wicket and the outfield look same". 

Though, the team management is unlikely to complain to the ICC management. 

"We can't blame the ICC on this. We need to learn to bat on thick wicket". 

"Our captain, though carried his bat through, is very disappointed with the batting", the chief selector further added. 

"The toss was also vital. Even New Zealand batsmen would have struggled had they batted first on this wicket". 

Sri Lankan team will play the second match against Afghanistan on the same wicket. 

"Will have to ensure that we don't struggle against Afghanistan team. Their strength is spinners and not the fast bowlers and therefore we are likely to show better against them". 

"However, chances of rain are there. There are 90 per cent chances of rain on Tuesday. Let us see how our next match is progressing".