Sri Lanka vs India 2017: Five reasons why Sri Lanka will not pose India any threat in the final Test

#3 An irresponsible middle-order

Lankan middle-order has been a disaster

Ever since Asela Gunaratne walked off injured on day 1 of the Galle Test, the Sri Lankan middle-order has looked dazed. There have been very few instances in cricket where a relative newbie is the pillar of a batting line-up. That Gunaratne, just six Tests old, holds such an important role in the Lankan line-up is a testament to the dreadful state of cricket in the country.

Angelo Mathews, the senior statesman in this middle-order, has failed miserably, with his counter-attacking tactics coming a cropper. Chandimal, the skipper has failed to apply himself. Unless the senior players step up, Sri Lanka have little to hope for.