Chandimal Optimistic For Second Test But Reckons Bangladesh
Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal said they never underestimate Bangladesh and believes the second and final Test match between the two teams will produce a result because of the lively nature of the wicket.
“Bangladesh are a really good team, especially on their home soil. They have performed well here. We never underestimate them, they are playing really good cricket. We have more experienced players in our Test side compared to ODI side. It is still challenging to us but we have some game plans according to the conditions and their players. We need to execute that well,” said Chandimal during the pre-match press conference Wednesday at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
The Lankan skipper believes the tri-nation ODI series’ pitches were bad. Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 79 runs in the final of the tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe.
Following the tri- series, Sri Lanka played the first Test against the Tigers in Chittagong’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Cricket Stadium last week. The tourist also termed the pitch “not good enough for Test cricket” after the Test ended in a draw.
Later, the ZACCS pitch was rated “below average” by ICC Elite Panel match referee David Boon. As such, the wicket in the port city has received one demerit point in accordance with the ICC pitch and outfield monitoring process.
“We saw in the tri-series that they were really bad pitches. It was good for the spinners but not for the batters. It is a challenge to the batters. It looks like a dry surface. Spinners will come into play in this game. I don’t see that much of a difference in the wicket. It looks similar,” said Chandimal.
Chandimal admitted that getting Chandika Hathurusingha in their rank will give them some advantage with regards to the condition and pitch as the latter is the former head coach of Bangladesh and spent almost four years with the Tigers.
“Hathurusingha has a good idea, especially of the players and conditions here. It is really helpful to us to get the real advice from him. We are looking forward to get his knowledge,” he said.
Bangladesh had won the second Test against Sri Lanka at P Sara Oval Stadium in March last year. Now the Lankans have the chance to win against the Tigers and win the series in their own backyard. But Chandimal said they just want to play competitive cricket.
“We don’t want to get revenge from any team. We need to play competitive cricket, which is our main goal. When you play good cricket, result will come in your way,” Chandimal explained.
Courtesy – Srilanka Sports. com
