Herath is also fit to play the second Test: Dinesh Chandimal
Chandimal spoke at length about the fitness issues that have been troubling his team.
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Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal has expressed confidence in his team to regain a foothold in the ongoing series against India. The Lankan team had to face a thrashing defeat at the hands of the No.1 Test team in the first Test of the series, which the hosts lost by a huge margin of 304 runs. However, the Sri Lanka skipper has remained unfazed by all criticism and is determined for his team to make a roaring comeback into the series in the next game.
In an interview, Chandimal spoke at length about the fitness issues that have been troubling his squad, the catch-drop debacle and his reaction to the predictions that Sri Lanka will concede the series by a 0-3 margin. He also cleared the air about Lahiru Thirimanne’s inclusion in the squad. The 2nd Test between India and Sri Lanka is set to begin at Colombo, on 3rd August (Thursday).
Fitness issues and catch drop errors in the first Test
When asked about his and spin-master, Rangana Herath‘s fitness, Chandimal seemed confident about both of them having recouped well and said, “I am much better. Thanks to the ICC they gave permission for me to use the inhaler, and that will help me breathe properly. Rangana is also fit to play.” Chandimal had been suffering from pneumonia and hence, had to sit out of the first Test.
Moreover, Sri Lanka have put up a sloppy show in the first test match on the field, when it comes to taking crucial catches. Speaking to Cricbuzz, the skipper said, “It’s always sad. Catches win matches. Everyone knows that. I think in the last couple of games, we have improved on the field. In the practices we are doing some drills. I am keeping my fingers crossed that the guys will do their best in these games.”
Lahiru Thirimanne’s inclusion in the playing squad
Chandimal also chose to clear the air on the inclusion of middle-order batsman, Lahiru Thirimanne in the playing squad for the upcoming game. “Thirimanne is a player with a lot of experience. Especially in Tests he’s a very important player. Him coming into the team is a big boost to our batting department. We have been training for three days, and everyone is in a good mental space. Everyone is looking at how we can win this game,” he said.
Views on opinions of Sri Lanka losing the series by a margin of 0-3
The captain brushed aside the sceptical views of many, who feel that his side might be on course to losing the series without a contest. He countered these opinions by saying, “Who is saying that? You can’t say that. They [India] are a very talented team, but we aren’t going to lose 0-3. We want to go and win. We are looking to give our best and win this game, level the series and then go to the third match. We have the determination to do that,” Chandimal concluded.
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