JOIN USThe Sri Lankan batting hasn’t delivered up to its potential in the two Tests so far and skipper Angelo Mathews said they need to perform at their best as the Indians will come hard at them in the concluding Test.
“It’s going to be a very important game,” said Mathews. “It’s going to be a decider. The wicket looks pretty good. It looks a sporty wicket. There’s a little bit of grass. We just have to play positive cricket. The batsmen have to look to score runs, bowlers have to take wickets. We need to get the basics right.”
Mathews felt both India and his side are similar and the deciding contest should be an interesting one. “When it comes to similarities I would say both teams are in a rebuilding phase. Both teams have got young batsmen and bowlers, who haven’t played that many Test matches. They are still finding their way in Test cricket. It’s good to have results. That’s what we play for. In a rebuilding phase you’ve got to be patient, win or lose. Do your processes right and the results will follow. That’s what we’re looking for.
“We’re looking to get the correct combination and stick with it. Both teams are trying to find their combinations. Both teams have got good combinations and good balance. They’ve got good fast bowlers and spinners. On their day, whoever scores more runs and takes more wickets will obviously win. I can’t see much of a difference between these two teams.”
Indian spinners R Ashwin and Amit Mishra with 29 wickets between them have proved too good for the Sri Lankans and Mathews felt positive approach is the best way to counter them. “No matter who is bowling, our aim should be to score runs. Even yesterday we had a discussion as a batting group. We always trust that no matter who the bowler is, and however well he’s bowling, if he gives us a chance to get runs, then we should do that. We know Ashwin bowled well in the last two matches. Mishra was also bowling well. The seamers have bowled well. We’re hoping to play them all positively.”