Team spirit is high said Fernando who said he was pleased with the way Sri Lanka were playing. Yes, they took time acclimatise to English conditions but they put their defeat against Glamorgan behind them and had victories against Leicestershire and Worcestershire. They drew with Somerset and the Hampshire match was a wash out due to rain. Playing against Middlesex at Lord's, Marvan Attapatu, Mahela Jayewardene and Romesh Kaluwitharne set the grounds alight with some splendid batting. Fernando was happy that the bowlers are 'getting' well and their performances are getting better. He added that all things being equal Chaminda Waas will be joining the tour very shortly.
Fernando and coach Roy Dias have also tightened up discipline and are grooming the team to be a force to be reckoned with in the one day tournament where they will face both England and South Africa and they have one test match against England at the end of August.
Arjuna Ranatunga, the captain was also happy with the way things were going - the team were playing as one. English fans were clamouring for autographs from the cricketers - there is a positive response from the majority of the media - 'Sri Lanka turn on the style' said The Daily Telegraph. The Times commented on our 'ruthless batsmen' who tear away at a bowling attack. Channel 5 TV paying tribute said they were a 'marvellous side.' The cricketers are performing well on this tour which will give the youngsters valuable experience of playing in English conditions.