Dilshan overawed by Lankan youngsters

Thursday, 26 January 2012 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Sri Lankan captain Tillakaratne Dilshan believes the cricketing future of Sri Lanka is looking good following imposing performances on Lanka’s tour of South Africa by the squad’s young players.

Sri Lanka lost the Test series 2-1 and was 3-0 down in the five-match one-day series against South Africa.

They managed to win the last two one-dayers to eventually lose the one-day series 3-2, Sports 24 reports.

Dilshan who was the captain of the squad for the entire South African tour, resigned following poor performances by the team on the tour.

“Before the tour started, I believed in my youngsters and I wanted to give them more time in the middle to get experience,” said Dilshan.

Dilshan said the youngsters had proved their worth at the international level.

“That was my main target when I took over the captaincy, and they have proved they are ready for the international challenge and the future looks bright for Sri Lankan cricket,” he added.

He specifically praised Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne and Thisara Perera and 26-year-old Sachithra Senanayake.

“I’m really happy to give these guys the opportunities to perform, especially under pressure,” he added.