Dilhara Fernando was the better choice to play in the World Cup finals in Barbados on Saturday instead of Pervez Maharoof, Sri Lanka Coach Tom Moody said.

Speaking to journalists in Hilton hotel, in Bridgetown, Barbados, he praised the World cup winners, Australia.

Sri Lanka were outplayed by the “exceptionally professional” Australians, he said.

Many Sr ilankan fans on and off the grounds were furious of Sri Lanka’s decision to play Dilhara Fernando, whose performance in the semi-final against New Zealand was far from perfect.

Sri Lanka’s chief selector, Asantha de Mel, told BBC Sandeshaya after the semi-final, that Fernando was to be replaced by Pervez Maharoof.

When questioned by BBC Sinhala as to Maharoof would not have been the better choice, Moody disagreed.

Future plans

“We had hundred percent confidence in Fernando. We never know whether Maharoof would’ve been a better choice. Fernando is a wicket taker against Australia. We thought he was the best wicket taker as our third bowler in these conditions,” Moody said.

Moody also tried to end speculation on his future plans.

There were reports that he was to accept a coaching job in Australia. Many other countries were reported to be interested in his services.

“I'm not making any decisions on my future until I've had a chance to speak to the Sri Lankan cricket board, until I've had a chance to sit back reflect and have a look to see where I want to be professionally and personally in the next stage of my career,” he said.

'Play by the rules'

The Sri Lanka coach was seemingly unaware of the Amnesty International’s (AI) human campaign on Sri Lanka’s human rights situation, “Play by the Rules”.

The rights watchdog has called on the government, LTTE and other militants to obey by the international principals ruling conflicts by agreeing to invite international human rights monitors.

When asked by Sandeshaya whether the campaign had any impact on the team playing in the Caribbean, Moody requested to repeat the question, He indicated that he was not aware of the campaign.

He said that it is important to carry on playing the game.

Many of the journalists present at the media gathering were also uaware of the campaign by the Amnesty International.

There was no sign of Amnesty campaign in an around any of the venues.

The Sri Lanka government has accused AI of trying to undermine the morale by launching the campaign parallel to the World Cup.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene and manager Michael Tissera admitted the campaign had no impact on their performance.

“We heard of it. But we only focused on winning the world cup throughout the tournament. We did not pay attention to anything else,” Mahela told bbcsinhala.com at Kensignton Oval, after the finals on Saturday.

Team’s future

Jayawardene, who praised Adam Gilchrist for his special innings in the World Cup finals, he did not think his team faltered while fielding against the Australians.

“I think we did not make big mistakes in fielding. We made a few small mistakes but I think it was Gilchrist’s day. You have to give credit where it belongs”.

positive Moody

The captain who had no complaints on his team, said it is too early to discuss changes to the team and whether any senior players are retiring.

Coach Moody however expressed hope that there was enough young talent in Sri Lanka.

“There is plenty of meat left on the bone,” he said.

Tom Moody was highly appreciative of team’s young talent likes of Upul Thanga and Chamara Silva.

If Sri Lanka continue to play at the current level, he expressed hope the team will be in a position to “beat Australia,” at the 2011 World cup, to be hosted by Asia’s Teat playing nations.