Inexperienced but buoyant

Things are not going right for Sri Lanka on or off the field in recent times but a relatively young Lankan team, led by newly appointed skipper Kusal Perera, will be looking to catch a positive vibe in the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh starting today.

The visitors' selectors have orchestrated a massive overhaul for the Bangladesh tour, dropping experienced players such as Dimuth Karunaratne, who has been leading the side, alongside Angelo Matthews and Dinesh Chandimal.

The 18-member Sri Lanka squad has four uncapped players, presenting a huge challenge for Perera, who will be making his captaincy debut for the national team in any format.

Prior to the series, Perera mentioned that he wants to play a fearless brand of cricket. Apart from Perera, Kusal Mendis will also be crucial for the visitors after being appointed as vice-captain.

The right-hander is also the most successful batsman for Sri Lanka since 2017 in this format. The likes of Niroshan Dickwella and Dhanushka Gunathilleke will also have to take responsibility in the batting department.

The likes of Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga and uncapped Ramesh Mendis provides some variety in the spin department.

However, their six front-line seamers lack experience. Apart from Dushmantha Chameera, Isuru Udana, and Asitha Fernando, the visitors have three uncapped seamers in the form of Shiran Fernando, Binura Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne.

Perera said that he was looking forward to resolving death-over bowling, which has remained one of the weakest links in Sri Lanka's bowling department in the recent past.

"We have plans for our death bowling, but it's important to keep in mind that that's a role you only get better at with experience. We can't expect perfection from the start. Our bowlers are new to this role so we need to have patience. Sometimes you need to get hit and learn from your mistakes," Perera said ahead of the first ODI yesterday.

The 30-year-old is aware that the Tigers are a strong unit, especially in the spin bowling department, and is planning accordingly on a historically slow and low Mirpur surface.

The left-handed opener added that fielding could be a huge difference.

"We know that one of Bangladesh's strengths is their spin-bowling attack, so we expect wickets to cater to that. I think our fielding has the potential to make a huge impact on this series," he said.