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Need to play against top teams other than India: Bayliss

August 09, 2010 20:10 IST

They are bracing up for yet another cricketing battle against India but Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss on Monday said his players need to play against other top sides also for exposure.

India and Sri Lanka have just played a Test series and before that they had played against each other in a tri-series in Zimbabwe and also in Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.

Now another tri-series, involving India and New Zealand is beginning on Tuesday at Dambulla.

"It's been good playing India because obviously, India are one of the best teams in the world and it's good to test ourselves against a team with that talent. But it will also be nice to play some of the other good teams around the world maybe a little bit more often.

"In the three years that I have been here, we have only played South Africa in one one-day game. To play the Englands and the Australias a little more will be a good experience for the guys," Bayliss said ahead of the tri-series opener.

The coach asserted his players have no problem in getting into One-day mode quickly after the drawn Test series.

"It's something that all the players are used to for a number of years now. They don't find moving from one format to the other all that difficult, they know how to switch on and switch off. I don't think they will have too many problems at all on that count," he said.

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said they will utilise the tri-series to complete their World Cup squad.

"We have identified the core group. We have got a few spots left for the players to come in. So they get a good run in this tournament, hopefully. Everyone else will get a chance to consolidate and get good match experience," he said at a joint press conference.

New Zealand coach Mark Greatbatch also said that it will be an opportunity to test a few players in the absence of senior players.

"There is an opportunity for some others to be involved. Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori have just had their second children, it is an opportunity for them to spend some time with their families.

"They will come back fresh and strong, it has turned out to be a positive thing for them and for the youngsters as well. I hope it is ideal preparation. Gives us a great opportunity and exposure. Some guys have played here before and some haven't," Greatbatch said.

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