Mathews demands more from bowling attack

angelomathews

For the first time in 21 years, Sri Lanka were beaten at home by South Africa in a Test series and Mathews was quick to pinpoint their weaknesses.

With the tourists 110-6 chasing 369 Sri Lanka appeared to be on course for a win that would have tied the series, however they were unable to take the final four wickets in the following 32 overs, with South Africa only adding 49 runs.

Mathews acknowledged they did not have the ruthless streak required to clean up the tail, and knows they must improve in that area in the future.

"We found it really hard to get the tailenders out," said Mathews. "They all can bat and hang around. 

"With these conditions, their tailenders batted pretty well. 

"We need to make sure that our bowlers are getting batting practice as much as they can, and get involved in scoring runs and hanging in there. 

"If we can improve that part as well, we can improve a lot more."

Mathews was left to rue a first Test collapse that saw them lose nine wickets for 98 runs and hand South Africa the advantage in Galle, something they never looked like losing in Colombo.

Sri Lanka were not consistent enough for the captain against a side who have now climbed back to the top of the Test rankings.

"As I always said, when you're playing the No.2 ranked team in the world, you have to be on top of your game," he added. "Especially in Galle - that first innings batting collapse - we couldn't get close to their score, and that actually cost us the game. 

"That one game cost us the series. 

"Right from the start I said we need to be sharpen our games to win against them. Simply because we play at home and we know the conditions, they are not going to lose a game of cricket for us.

"We need to put a lot of effort and do a lot of hard work to beat them."

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