Sri Lanka's One Day International captain says it's crunch time as his side begins preparations for the Cricket World Cup in England in May.
The Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Lasith Malinga was recently named skipper for the three one-day internationals against the Black Caps starting tomorrow in Mount Maunganui.
It's been a tough few years for the Sri Lankan ODI team, and a long time since their breakout 1996 World Cup triumph.
The 35-year-old right-arm fast bowler said the team had struggled for consistency over the last three or four years but said they couldn't afford to still see themselves in a rebuilding phase.
"Now is no time to rebuild because ... the World Cup is this year, but now we have to prove who is the best in Sri Lankan cricket, all the players are keen to do that.
"The thing is all the younger players have had good opportunities now it's time to stand up and show their characters, this is a good opportunity to find who is better international players in our side they can show their talent."
Sri Lanka has another eight ODI matches before the World Cup and Malinga said it was a good time to test themselves in similar conditions to what they would face in England.
"This is the time people have to get to understand the conditions and how to play that condition and away ... the players are looking forward to the series."
Malinga, who is likely to open the bowling tomorrow, expected the players to perform better in the ODI series having experienced New Zealand conditions during the Test series loss.
"They've learned a lot over the last two or three weeks I think this is a good opportunity for us and good benefit for the players coming into the one day side and they can share the knowledge, all together we'll see what's going on tomorrow."
Malinga has been in and out of the side while he's dealt with a series of injuries but said he was getting better.
He said a good start to their innings was key.
"We need to consolidate our first 10 overs, how we going to adjust to conditions, how we build a good partnership, then we have time to excelerate at the end of the innings."
