Former Sri Lanka player Upul Chandana believes that the commitment and eagerness shown by players to learn were the reasons for Sri Lanka Under-19’s improved standard of fielding, as they gear up for the forthcoming ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand.

"The players are committed and they are keen on putting into practice what is taught. That is the key for their success in the fielding department," Chandana told ‘The Island’ in an interview on Monday, after Sri Lanka Under-19 beat their Bangladesh counterparts here in Dambulla.

Playing their first match of the Under-19 Tri-Nation tournament also involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka made their opponents toil hard for runs and frustrated them with sharp fielding. The close in fielders showed that they could disappoint batsmen who took chances against their sharp throwing. They produced direct hits on more than one occasion. Skipper Chathura Peiris was one such player who caused a run out with a direct hit to set in motion a sudden top order collapse.

"This set of players are eager to learn. Because of that, there is a dramatic improvement in the standard of fielding. During the past few weeks, we couldn’t have on field training because of rain, but the players have not lost touch. That shows that they have grasped the finer points we have been teaching them," Chandana said.

"When we began, the weaknesses of each and every player were identified and their errors had to be rectified, on field. Earlier, I used to walk up to them during matches and point out the mistakes. We played a lot of practice matches and it helped us to point out their mistakes. That was a huge benefit. Now the number of times I have to walk up to them has been reduced. I see a huge improvement in their fielding. Everyone has improved," Chandana explained.

Asked as to how he could he adjust to coaching having no past experience as a coach, Chandana said that it was his experience as a player that helped him to fine tune the players. "The experience I gained as an international player helped me a lot. Sometimes, it is my own experiences as a player that I use to make them understand what it makes to be a good fielder," said Chandana, who was handpicked by SLC authorities to handle the fielding department.

"The environment I work is also conducive. I am lucky to work with former players like Aravinda (consultant coach) and Nawaz (coach) and other coaching staff who are committed to improving standards," said Chandana.

Asked about his aims in coaching, Chandana said that his prime target is to make the Sri Lanka Under-19 the best fielding outfit at the forthcoming Under-19 World Cup. "My prime target is to train this side to be the best fielding side at the World Cup. When that is achieved we would be very close to winning the World Cup," Chandana said.

"If you are a good fielding side, you can frustrate the batsmen and put pressure on them. And when that happens, you are in the process of beating them," Chandana explained.