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| September 5, 2003 | Friday | Rajab 7, 1424 |
Dyson seeks winning attitude from players
COLOMBO (Sri Lanka), Sept 4: New Sri Lanka coach John Dyson will not be imposing a style of play on his squad but will try to develop a winning attitude.
The Australian, who arrived on Monday at the start of an 18-month contract said on Thursday he had a talented group of players to choose from in readiness for tours by England later this year and Australia early in 2004.
“I won’t be imposing a style of play, but I want to develop an attitude where we play to win all the time, as opposed to perhaps playing to save the game,” Dyson told reporters.
“We can learn from the transformation of attitude in the Australia team since the 1980s. Under Steve Waugh, a super-positive captain, they now look to win at all times no matter how deep in trouble they may be.
“With that approach they win much more than they lose,” said Dyson, shortly to be joined by compatriot Shane Duff, who along with two physiotherapists, will complete an all-Australian backroom team.
“This will be a long-term process. There is no magician who can come in to hypnotise the players and start a winning run. But I am very excited as Sri Lanka have a very talented pool of players.”
Dyson’s arrival in Colombo coincided with the players completing phase one of their pre-season training, an exhausting four-week fitness regime.
“The players look in terrific shape and are now busting to get in the nets after the completion of phase one of their fitness preparation. Nets will start next week,” Dyson said.
“Before we know it England will be here, but we are not focusing too much on one tour. We are just trying to get everyone ready for a big year. There is a huge amount of cricket to be played.
“Fortunately, the break they have had after such a hectic schedule last year means that the players should be refreshed and rejuvenated by the time that England arrive in November.”
England are scheduled to play three Tests in Galle, Kandy and Colombo.—Reuters
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