Mathews backs misfiring bowling attack

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews has said that offspinner Sachithra Senanayake's reduced potency following remedial work on his action was among the reasons he had not been picked so far in the series. Sri Lanka's bowling has ailed against Pakistan so far, prompting calls for personnel changes, but Mathews felt they were already using their best bowlers.

Senanayake was suspended for exceeding the 15-degree flexion limit last year, but has since been cleared to bowl after remodeling his action. In eight matches since returning to ODI cricket, he averages 41.11 with an economy rate of 5.23. He had averaged 34.82 with an economy rate of 4.62 prior to his suspension.

"Sachithra has bowled well, but after his remedial work, his effectiveness has slightly decreased," Mathews said. " The other thing is, Pakistan have seven right-handers at the top and are also a team that plays spin well. Dilshan is there to provide offspin. There is a chance Sachithra will play, but in all three matches so far, our spinners didn't get much out of the track. If we look at their spinners, they have bowlers who turn it a lot. Yasir Shah would turn it on any track. Sometimes we have to do the best with what we are good at. We have to figure out how to do well with the bowlers we have."

Lasith Malinga's apparent decline has also been worrying for Sri Lanka. Malinga had surgery on his ankle last year, and has since suffered a variety of other complaints. He averages 36.93 and has an economy rate of 6.04 in ten matches this year - his worst numbers since 2009. Mathews said Malinga continued to deserve a place in the side despite leaking runs at eight an over on Sunday.

"It's not at all an issue to drop a senior, but we know Lasith's capabilities. He understands his game. He feels that he hasn't performed well and that he needs to do a lot better for the team. You need to give guys chances as well. As soon as you have a couple of bad games you can't throw away these players because they are quality players. They are experienced enough to handle their game. I'm pretty sure he'll come out firing tomorrow.

"We've talked about his performance with Lasith. We are confident he'll play in the way the team needs him to play. The quick bowlers didn't do well in the three matches - not just Lasith. We didn't have a bowler who could take wickets. We can't make major changes."

With the spin stocks appearing bare, there have also been calls to recall Rangana Herath to the side. However, Mathews said Herath's omission was largely self-imposed.

"We talked with the selectors about Rangana Herath. As he wants to play Tests for a while, we got a message that one-dayers are a bit tough on his body, given his injuries. He talked with the selectors and told them his stand. He's someone who's very valuable to us in Tests. He can't be particularly athletic in ODIs with his knees the way they are. He told the selectors and myself that, and so we'll look at him when the Tests come."