Sri Lanka v Australia, 2nd Test, Thursday
For Angelo Mathews it is a case of trying to find a repeat performance for his Sri Lanka side in Galle, while for Steve Smith and Australia improving their batting effort is the priority.
Surprise
Angelo Mathews, the Sri Lanka captain, wants his side to build on the momentum of their surprise victory over world No 1 Test side Australia in the first Test in Pallekele last week.
The Sri Lankans recovered from being bowled out for 117 on the first day of proceedings to triumph by 106 runs and go up 1-0 in the three-match series.
Can’t let them off the hook
Ahead of the start of proceedings at Galle in the second Test on Thursday, Mathews said the team had to be focused. “We have got to be cautious and we can’t write them off,” he said.
“They didn’t get runs, but they are a dangerous top order. We can’t let them off the hook and we need to be on our money from the start. It’s tough to play spin here.”
Extra confidence
Sri Lanka had gone into the series on the back of failing to win any of the nine international matches on their recent tour of England, and Mathews added: “The feeling is great in the camp after the beating we had got in the last six months.
“The guys were feeling a bit down and after the win at Pallekele we have got that extra confidence.”
A lot of drift
Steve Smith, the Australia captain, said it was vital that the team’s batsmen quickly adjusted to the conditions after struggling in Pallekele.
“It’s a big breeze here so we could get quite a lot of drift from the spin bowlers and I guess the batters just try to find a way to be successful in these conditions,” he said on Wednesday.
Change
Australia have been forced into one change for the match with spinner Jon Holland, 29, set to make his Test debut as a replacement for Steve O’Keefe, who strained a hamstring in the first Test.
Sri Lanka will make a late decision on whether seam bowler Nuwan Pradeep is fit or not. The final Test in the series takes place in Colombo, with proceedings starting on August 13.
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