SL vs AUS: The Support That They Provide Is Second To None - Aaron Finch On Sri Lankan Fans

Australia limited-overs captain Aaron Finch appreciated the Sri Lankan fans for their unexpected buoyant approach to the visitors in the recently concluded five-match ODI series against their home team.

The Dasun Shanaka-led Sri Lanka defeated the five-time World Cup winners 3-2 to mark their first ODI series victory against Australia in 30 years.

The Sri Lankan people are wonderful people: Aaron Finch

During the fifth and final ODI match between the two sides on June 24 in Colombo, the Sri Lankan fans donned yellow colour t-shirts and displayed banners with the message ‘Thank You Australia. The fans thanked Aaron Finch and his men to visit the island nation as they are battling through one of the worst economic crisis in history.

Finch was overwhelmed with the support of the home fans in the stands and called them great supporters of the game.

“We’re very grateful that we’ve been able to tour here. We know the difficulties that Sri Lanka has faced in recent times. Hopefully, over these eight white-ball games we’ve been able to provide some joy to people in the country,” Finch was quoted as saying by ICC’s official website.

“It was outstanding, the Sri Lankan people are wonderful people. The support that they provide is second to none. They are great cricket supporters, it’s not just constant noise, they ride the emotions of the game,” he added.

That was pretty extraordinary: Glenn Maxwell on the Sri Lankan crowd

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell echoed his captain’s sentiments towards the opposition fans. The 33-year-old said that it was unusual for them to seek such support as they are enemies of their respective home teams.

“That was pretty extraordinary. I was just saying to the boys that was one of the most special feelings. Being able to walk around the ground and have a foreign country cheer for you,” Maxwell said in a video posted by cricket.com.au on its Twitter handle.

“A lot of times when Australia tours we are generally the enemy and there’s not too many Australian fans in the stands. But to have the support and fans that are here at the moment is truly extraordinary.

“Everyone’s wearing yellow. They’ve got all the Australian flags all over the place. It’s extremely special and it’s a credit to everyone that’s been able to get out here. It’s been such a tough time obviously for the locals.

“For them to come out and support us, hopefully, both teams can entertain them and they’ve had a really good time during the one-day series,” the Australian all-rounder added.

Australia will play Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series with the first Test scheduled to play on June 29 at the Galle International Stadium.

Also Read: SL vs AUS: Glenn Maxwell Returns To Australia’s Test Squad After 5 Years