2nd Test: Need to make things happen in the first session today and then go back big, says Kirsten

Colombo, Aug 24 (IANS) Expecting a grueling battle over the next few days, Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten feels that to get ahead of India in the ongoing Test match, the hosts need to get things in their favour in the first session and look to take it big from there.

Assessing the opening day’s play that saw momentum swing back and forth, with India closing the day at 300/5, Kirsten praised his bowling group for dragging Sri Lanka back into the contest after a sluggish middle period.

“It was a hard day, and it kind of went in different phases. We started well and there didn’t have much going on in the afternoon, but came back really well. I think our seamers have bowled fantastically, but yeah, we need to make things happen in the first session today and then go back big,” Kirsten said to broadcasters ahead of the start of play on day two.

Kirsten, who previously coached India and took them to the top spot in the Test rankings, opined that his side needs to seize early breakthroughs before laying a strong foundation with the bat.

“Listen, I think the game unfolds in different ways often. It depends if we get wickets early or not. I think the wicket’s pretty docile at the moment, and our hope is that it stays like that while we’re batting, but I think it’s going to start taking some turn later on in the Test match. But the game ebbs and flows.

“We’ve got to make sure we get a decent partnership on the board with the bat in hand, get wickets early today, and then make some progress through the Test match. But it’s going to be, my sense is going to be quite a hard-fought Test match, probably come down to the third and fourth innings where the wicket might be a bit more receptive to turn, and then we’ll see what happens then,” he explained.

Kirsten praised Sri Lanka’s pace duo of Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara for operating at high intensity on day one, adding that they have a crucial role to play in picking up 20 wickets.

“I think both Asitha and Lahiru have really shown this Test match that they are world-class Test bowlers and can be up there to do a great job for the team. They’re pretty much at full capacity now, which is great to see.

“But we need, every Test match you need 20 wickets, and you need to get them fairly quickly. So still work to do, and again, we’ve got three young batters in our top six as well. It’s a great opportunity for them to go out and showcase what they can do at international level,” he observed.

Asked about his coaching methodology and how he works on drawing the best out of a relatively young Sri Lankan squad, Kirsten pointed towards his direct and responsive approach.

“I’m not sure what that means, empower players. I think I’m a leader, and I’m still trying to get the best out of the players. That’s my priority. But got to do it in a way that they respond, that’s the most important thing for me. So we’re kind of working the progress. I’m a bit more comfortable with the shape of the team now,” he concluded.

–IANS

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