SL vs AUS | Chris Silverwood enjoyed the positive intent of Sri Lankan batters

Sri Lanka's new head coach Chris Silverwood was happy to see his batters play attacking shots but criticized the lack of execution.

On the start of the 3rd day, Australia were at 313-8, with Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins at the crease. Nathon Lyon started off the day with a sweep and a reverse sweep. The intentions were clear, as the batters believed attacking batting is the only way forward. But the Lankan lions wrapped up the Aussie tail for just 8 runs, thanks to some quality bowling from pacer Asitha Fernando.

With a good lead of 109, Australia was determined to chock the opposition with spin. Leading the attack was veteran Nathan Lyon, who joined the elite club of Top 10 wicket-takers in Test cricket. 

He was well supported by youngster Mitchell Swepson and part-time spinner Travis Head. The spin trio managed to send the Sri Lankan team back to the pavilion in just 22.5 overs, which is the least amount of overs they have ever batted in a single innings. 

They were only able to score a meager 113 runs, giving the visitors a target of 5 runs to win. It was just a walk in the park for Aussie openers as Warner scored 10 of 4 to win the first Test match.

Silverwood sees positive things despite losing the game

Even in this disappointing loss, Chris Silverwood alluded that the attacking shots played by Sri Lankan batters were justifiable. "I enjoyed the batters' intent. They were positive. They looked to score runs. If we'd gone out there and looked to block it, I don't think that would have worked. I want us to be positive. 

There was no point just trying to block it today. On wickets like that, with people around the bat, the pressure is on, so you have to look to score. We had to look to try and get past the Australian score and make them bat again. It's not always going to work." said the gaffer.     

So what did go wrong for Sri Lankan batters who are used to playing in these tricky conditions? The former England coach points out that the execution is what let them down and not the mindset. 

He talks about the art of sweep shot

He also quoted experiences he had with his previous team and how they used the sweep shot to great effect in similar conditions. "In the preparation leading up to the series in which I was in the England camp, we ensured that the guys swept well, got to the pitch of the ball, and used the depth of the crease. 

It's a very simple game plan. If they were sweeping and then got out, they were happy with that, because when you go to sweep you mean to hit the ball. You've got to have the confidence to do that."

The Sri Lankan batters tried to emulate the same, but failed miserably. Four of their top 7 fell attempting the sweep shot. Apart from Dhananjaya de Silva, the rest of the top 7 lost their wickets playing attacking shots.