The “Aggression” bit has been done to death.
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Five bowlers strategy: Kohli and Indian team management have made sure that five-bowler strategy is the way forward.
When asked if there is a chance Sangakkara could play the third Test if the series is tied 1-1 going into the SSC match, Mathews replied, “I wished so but unfortunately he’s calling it a day and we all have to respect that decision”.
Kaushal was dropped on nought by Shikhar Dhawan at first slip against Aaron, but failed to capitalise on it.
Galle: Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin grabbed six wickets as India bowled out Sri Lanka for 183 but then stumbled briefly in reply in a rousing start to the first Test on Wednesday.
At stumps, India looked in command as they reached 128 for two after opener KL Rahul (7) and Rohit Sharma (9) were dismissed cheaply. But M. Vijay’s absence at the top of the order has the potential to nullify the edge. But it’s the collective that represents the problem.
Whereas the Lankans who were struggling with their opening pair seemed to have got control on it and have been now using it as one of their biggest strengths against the opponents. “Rohit needs to get runs as Pujara is someone whom you can’t keep outside for long”.
Shastri praised the previous Sri Lanka legend Muttiah Muralitharan saying he performed an important position in choosing 20 wickets of the opponents. He averages much better. He said this way – “He has been a great servant for Sri Lankan cricket, but when the time comes, everyone has to go”.
“You can see that hunger in them”. Even yesterday, with whatever time we had at the nets, the intensity was up there and the guys prepared really well.
Kohli was immaculate in the Test series Down Under, with four hundreds in as many matches. Two mid-table teams eyeing a climb up the Test charts.
They are also in need of Kaushal to display some powerful performance in treating the Indian bowlers this time.
“We have played more or less with the same attack but unfortunately a couple of guys are injured”.
“Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka is always a hard team to beat”. Mathews will play in spite of a tear in his left wrist.
Starting from 65 for five after lunch, Mathews and Chandimal (5 not out) stitched up a 79-run sixth-wicket partnership to stem the rot. It’s clear for the moment, though not entirely sunny, but intermittent showers have been forecast through this week, which could mean a stop-start kind of Test match.
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Sri Lanka: A. Mathews (capt.), K. Silva, D. Karunaratne, K. Sangakkara, U. Tharanga, D. Chandimal, J. Mubarak, D. Prasad, T. Kaushal, R. Herath, N. Pradeep, L. Thirimanne, D. Chameera, D. Perera, V. Fernando, K. Perera.
