Sri Lanka A coach hits out at the team

Stan Nel, the Sri Lanka A coach, has blasted some of his players, questioning their commitment and accusing them of "indifference" to defeat after they lost their second consecutive game in the ongoing triangular tournament also involving the A teams of England and Pakistan.

"I found a mixed reaction in the dressing room," revealed Nel. "There were guys who were really desperate to represent their country and win who were really hurting inside. Some of the other guys seemed to be indifferent about the result. I am just devastated about the reactions of these guys after two defeats.

"I am trying to get these guys to understand that losing is not an option. Looking at it after this game, it is the real desire to win that is lacking. I am really questioning every player and want to find out who really has the desire and who doesn't. As far as ability goes they match up as well as any A team around the world."

Sri Lanka go into the second stage of the competition without a single point after Pakistan and England successfully chased down targets on Sunday and Monday. The only major positive for the team was the form of Russel Arnold - apparently under pressure as the selectors finalise their squad for India - who scored two consecutive half-centuries.

Sri Lanka lost their grip on the game against England A in the final overs as Rikki Clarke and Alex Gidman crashed 62 from just 37 balls. "We lost due to the lack of a little bit of experience," believed Nel. "I think we lost the grip on the game in the last six or seven overs. Looking at the guys in the field, I just thought they were perhaps not giving 110%.

"At this stage thinking about the final is not going to do us any good. We've got to play one game at a time. We've got to set ourselves for the next match and try to win that and we will go along and see what happens after that. There is no use thinking any further than the next match."