Sri Lanka is one of the most cowardly teams playing these days. These tigers at home are generally starting to accquire the “Mice” title abroad. Somehow, Sangakkara and his men seemed to think that, while it is Ranji season in India, the same rules applied to test cricket as well. “Kumar, you do not win tests in India on first innings lead”. If a team that had the ability to reduce one of the most proclaimed batting sides in the world to 32 odd for 4 in the first innings, somehow did not have the confidence in their bowlers’ ability to do the same in the second innings. A 200 to 250 run lead would have been sufficient and daring for the Sri Lankans to take on and apply pleasure on the Indian batting line up. They chose, however, to play their default option, accumulate runs on a placid wicket. How many times have we seen this scenario in the past with this team. I am not sure I truly understand how this team has managed to climb to #2 on the ranking, as I do not remember any significant series or even test wins abroad. But if this team has to truly earn name and respect as a major test playing nation, they would have to demonstrate through bold and risky decision making on the field.
This series can and win only gain momentum of any sort if, as Mohan points out, pitches are produced with results in mind and the two captains attempt to make things happen on the field. Sri Lanka has to show and demonstrate creativity to even contemplate winning test matches on Indian soil.
– Srikanth
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