Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal on November 9 hinted that he might opt ‘four-bowler’ strategy to counter the Indian batting line-up in the upcoming three-match Test series that is set to begin from November 16. He said that unlike the five-pronged bowling attack which yielded results against Pakistan in humid conditions in the UAE, he may revert to four-bowler theory against the No 1 Test team.
During media interaction, Chandimal said,
Against Pakistan, we played six batters and five bowlers that worked really well especially in the heat (in UAE). It was never easy to play four bowlers and win a game. But India have got some really good bowlers, so we need to think about that all-rounder position. We will see the pitch and come up with our plans.
It was a clean sweep for India (9-0 across formats) when they travelled to Sri Lanka. Since then the island nation beat Pakistan 2-0 in an ‘away’ Test series but lost 0-5 in the ODIs.
Chandimal added,
We all know India are No 1 team at the moment. They have played some really good cricket in last two years. We have done really well against Pakistan. We did well as a team. I am sure guys are looking forward to take this challenge.
Chandimal accepted that playing India in India is a big challenge but he does not want to dwell on past results and would rather look forward.
This will be a challenging series for us. It’s nice to be here with the spectators, we love to play here. I don’t want to look back but look forward. We have done well versus Pakistan. The boys are in a good shape and we look forward to take the challenge against India.
Chandimal further said that he has some plans in place to tackle Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja but he will not disclose them.
Chandimal-led Sri Lankan side will play three Test matches, three One-Day Internationals (ODI) and as many Twenty20 Internationals (T20I) against ‘Men in Blue’ starting November 16.
Squad:
Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Lahiru Thirimanne (vice- captain), Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Gamage, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Dasun Shanaka and Roshen Silva.
WITH PTI INPUTS
