Galle (Sri Lanka): Captain of Sri Lanka Dimuth Karunaratne said on monday Dinesh ChandimalThe double century in their series-level Test win over Australia was a good sign before a tough challenge against Pakistan.
Chandimal scored 206 not out by Sri Lanka’s innings and 39 runs in the second Test at Galle, Sri Lanka to level the series 1–1.
budding spinner Prabhat Jayasuriya It took a 12-wicket match to bundle out Australia for 151 in the final session of the fourth day.
But it was Chandimal who set up the win with the batting attack and scored his maiden double century with one four and two sixes. Mitchell Starc Sri Lanka were all out after scoring 554 runs.
Karunaratne said of his senior batsman, “I told Chandy to play a big innings. He hasn’t been very successful in the last few years.”
“When your senior gets knocks like this, it makes things easier for me as captain. Angelo (Matthews) may fail, I may fail but I know someone will fire for us. This is a good sign for the series ahead.”
Sri Lanka will host the next two Tests, already playing practice games in the island nation, starting in Galle on Saturday.
Sri Lanka’s big win gave them confidence ahead of the opener, but Chandimal said Pakistan would be stronger than the Aussies given their ability to handle spinners better.
Karunaratne said, ‘Pakistan is a strong team, a great team. “I think it will be more challenging than Australia. They play spin well.”
Captain Babar Azam has been in top form, scoring 196 consecutive runs against Australia at home in March.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq has also been among the runs and Pakistan have strengthened their bowling attack by bringing back experienced spinner Yasir Shah in the side.
Chandimal scored 206 not out by Sri Lanka’s innings and 39 runs in the second Test at Galle, Sri Lanka to level the series 1–1.
budding spinner Prabhat Jayasuriya It took a 12-wicket match to bundle out Australia for 151 in the final session of the fourth day.
But it was Chandimal who set up the win with the batting attack and scored his maiden double century with one four and two sixes. Mitchell Starc Sri Lanka were all out after scoring 554 runs.
Karunaratne said of his senior batsman, “I told Chandy to play a big innings. He hasn’t been very successful in the last few years.”
“When your senior gets knocks like this, it makes things easier for me as captain. Angelo (Matthews) may fail, I may fail but I know someone will fire for us. This is a good sign for the series ahead.”
Sri Lanka will host the next two Tests, already playing practice games in the island nation, starting in Galle on Saturday.
Sri Lanka’s big win gave them confidence ahead of the opener, but Chandimal said Pakistan would be stronger than the Aussies given their ability to handle spinners better.
Karunaratne said, ‘Pakistan is a strong team, a great team. “I think it will be more challenging than Australia. They play spin well.”
Captain Babar Azam has been in top form, scoring 196 consecutive runs against Australia at home in March.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq has also been among the runs and Pakistan have strengthened their bowling attack by bringing back experienced spinner Yasir Shah in the side.