Lankan connect to Nepal cricket

Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss might be working towards scripting history by winning a Test in India, but former Lanka player and coach, Roy Dais, is certain to make history.

Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss might be working towards scripting history by winning a Test in India, but former Lanka player and coach, Roy Dais, is certain to make history.

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Dais is coaching Nepal, who are being hosted by the Delhi and District Cricket Association, as they gain exposure ahead of the Asian Cricket Council Twenty20 Cup. The team has played seven matches in five days.

“This is a perfect way to prepare the boys for the event. Unlike in other Test playing nations, Nepal still plays a lot of three-day games. Twenty20 is a new format for them so we are trying to adapt,” Dais told HT. Though he is confident that the team, led by all-rounder Paras Khadka, will win the tournament, the coach doubts the event’s utility in gauging the standard of non-Test playing nations. “I don’t understand how a T20 tournament will decide if a certain team can play Test cricket,” he said.

Dais, who played 20 Tests and 58 ODIs for Sri Lanka besides coaching the team, feels Lankan cricket has changed in recent times. “The problem is that the Board doesn’t invest enough and is not clear about its priorities. Besides, the panel keeps changing,” he said.

Dais is upbeat about his team’s chances. “Our success at the u-19 level and making it to the World Cricket League Division 5 in New Jersey and semifinals of the ACC Trophy in Malaysia have boosted our players. They don’t get paid to play cricket…they play because of their love for the game. We will come back with flying colours,” he said.