Charith Asalanka Fires Back at Harry Brook's 'Worst Pitch' Criticism: '440 Runs Were Scored'

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka has responded to England batter Harry Brook's scathing criticism of the R Premadasa pitch, questioning the validity of calling it the "worst pitch" when both teams combined to score 440 runs in the second ODI.

The diplomatic yet pointed response from the Sri Lankan skipper has added a compelling subplot to the ongoing ODI series between the two nations, currently level at 1-1.

The Controversy: Brook's Harsh Assessment

Following England's successful chase of 220, securing victory with 22 balls to spare and five wickets in hand, Harry Brook did not hold back in his assessment of the playing surface. The Yorkshire batter labelled it the "worst pitch" he had ever played on, a sentiment echoed by Joe Root, who despite scoring a match-winning 75 off 90 balls, stated he didn't think "it was a great wicket for ODI cricket."

Asalanka's Measured Response

The Sri Lankan captain offered a composed yet firm rebuttal to England's criticism.

"That was his opinion - mine might be a bit different. If he says this is the worst pitch he's seen, that's something he feels. But between the two teams we hit 440 runs."

Drawing Parallels to the 2023 World Cup

Asalanka strategically referenced a previous encounter between the two sides to strengthen his argument. During the 2023 World Cup in Bengaluru, England were bowled out for just 156 inside 34 overs, with Sri Lanka cruising to an eight-wicket victory.

"If you looked at the 2023 World Cup - they'd only got 180 in that game, and no one said anything about the pitch. I don't know why he's saying this now. I guess we'll see what is said after the next match."

Notably, while Brook was part of England's squad for that tournament, he did not feature in that particular match.

Captain's Honest Reflection on Batting Performance

While defending the pitch against external criticism, Asalanka demonstrated refreshing honesty about his own expectations and Sri Lanka's batting performance.

"I didn't expect the pitch for the second match would be like that. We had got 270-280 in the first match and no one likes to get fewer runs than that, because you've got to give your bowlers something to defend."

The captain acknowledged the surface had changed from the first game but maintained his belief that Sri Lanka underperformed with the bat.

"That said, it still wasn't a 220-run pitch - my goal while batting had been to get to 250 or 260."

Looking Ahead: Third ODI Preparations

Pitch Expectations

Asalanka expressed hope that the pitch for the decisive third ODI would resemble the strip used in the first match, which produced a more batting-friendly contest with scores in the 270-280 range.

Team News and Selection

Sri Lanka are set to receive a significant boost with the expected return of star allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who was rested for the opening two matches of the series. His inclusion could prove pivotal in the series decider.

England, on the other hand, are unlikely to recall Zak Crawley despite the opener's involvement in net practice on Monday. Crawley continues his recovery from a knee injury that has kept him sidelined.

The Bigger Picture: Pitch Debate in Modern Cricket

This exchange highlights the ongoing tension in international cricket regarding pitch preparation and what constitutes a fair surface for ODI cricket. While spin-friendly conditions have long been a feature of subcontinental cricket, the definition of an acceptable playing surface remains subjective and often depends on match outcomes.

Asalanka's pointed reminder about the 2023 World Cup defeat suggests that pitch criticism often follows disappointing results, regardless of the actual playing conditions.

What to Expect in the Series Decider

With the series level at 1-1, the third ODI promises to be a thrilling contest. The return of Hasaranga adds intrigue to Sri Lanka's bowling attack, while England will look to build on their improved spin-handling from the second match.

The pitch debate may continue, but ultimately, both teams know that execution and adaptability will determine the series outcome at the R Premadasa Stadium.