When I played against the Sri Lankan team, they paid me much more attention: Nasser Hussain

Recent comparisons between the younger generation of Sri Lankan players and the older, famous ones were made by former England cricketer Nasser Hussain. Hussain said that the previous generation of the same opponent was entirely different from the current one, with Sri Lanka now behind England in their ongoing first Test of the series.

Additionally, he recounted an occasion in which, during one of their Test matches, former Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara would repeatedly insult him. The cricketer-turned-commentator emphasised the differences between the current and previous generations of Sri Lankan players, stating that they are entirely different both on and off the pitch.

“When I consider the Sri Lankan team I faced, I realise how meticulous they were about every little aspect. Players like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara would constantly be at you on the pitch, even though they are the kindest, calmest and meekest individuals off the pitch. Hussain writes in his Daily Mail column, “Behind me, Kumar would chirp all kinds of things like, ‘Enjoy your last Test match.'”

You must maintain your focus: Nasser Hussain

Hussain also mentioned Sri Lanka’s lacklustre performance on the third day of the first Test match against England. In the event that they lose, he thought the visitors would have to reflect on how they played.

“Since the first hour of the Friday match was so different from the fight they displayed throughout the past two days, Sri Lanka will question whether they were fully focused and prepared if they lose this Test. I thought they were sloppy and lazy in the morning, but test cricket is like an arm wrestling; you can’t lose focus at any point. Hussain claimed that they were nearly unprepared for the game to begin.

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Regarding the England vs. Sri Lanka Test, on Day 3 the visitors appeared to be in control, but England’s superiority forced them back into contention.