Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews Thursday blamed fitness issues for the team's disastrous England tour, but said he hoped to use the advantage of home conditions against a tough Australian side. Mathews returned home after losing the Test series 2-0, the five match ODI series 3-0 (with one tie and one no result) and also conceding the only T20 in chilly English conditions.
"Fitness was a big issue, as the captain I am disappointed with our battling, bowling and fielding," Mathews told reporters in Colombo. "We have to improve in all departments." However, he thanked loyal local fans for not mocking them for their dismal performance.
"From the officials at the airport (in Colombo) to others we met on the way, they have been very supportive at a time when we are down," he said. "This support means a lot to us." Asked about preparations for the upcoming home series against Australia, Mathews said he wanted to address fitness issues plaguing the young team which saw five bowlers suffer injuries during the England tour. Mathews himself was injured. He could not say how long the team would require to fully recover from the void created after the retirement of legends including Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.