Atapattu: A Sri Lanka win is still possible
Sri Lanka coach Marvan Atapattu has not given up on his side winning the first Test against South Africa in Galle, despite needing a record-breaking score on the final day, and still 260 runs behind.
Sri Lanka coach Marvan Atapattu has not given up on his side winning the first Test against South Africa in Galle, despite needing a record-breaking score on the final day, and still 260 runs behind.
The Proteas declared on day four, setting the hosts 370 to win on a ground that has never seen 300-plus in the fourth innings. The hosts reached stumps on 110 for one, with Kumar Sangakkara on 58, and the coach was confident of success.
Atapattu said: "It's a challenging total. A team hasn't gone past 300 in the fourth innings at this venue, but we've got a team inside the dressing room who're willing to fight. That I can guarantee you.
"We're aiming to get the amount of runs but we'll fight to get through the first session tomorrow and see where we'll be placed at."
When told that the highest successful fourth innings chase at Galle was 96, he said: "I haven't seen that stat, but that is something I'll look into and probably have in the dressing room for all of us to be motivated.
"It's good to know that people have done it, but even if someone hasn't done it – it doesn't mean that you can't do it. It's all in the mind and how you think and the confidence levels.
"In a situation when you have the whole day to get the runs – don't get me wrong, it's not easy or guaranteed with the attack they have – but there is a chance. It's a bold declaration from Amla, encouraging us to go for our shots.
"Their bowlers might have a few more chances from our batsmen, going for shots. After the first innings when South Africa got to 255 on the first day, for the game to be poised at this position, is a credit to both teams and how they've played."
Latest
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.