Chandimal: We were outplayed from the first day

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal admits his team were “outplayed from the first day” as they fell to a demoralising innings and 239-run defeat against India in the second Test in Nagpur on Monday.

The visitors could only post 205 on the first day after Chandimal had won the toss and chosen to bat first but the hosts replied with a mammoth 610/6 declared.

The tourists succumbed meekly in the second innings, being bowled out for 166 on the fourth day.

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Chandimal said: “It was a good toss to win. Unfortunately, we were outplayed from the first day of the game.

“Our batting unit let us down again. You have to score at least 350 plus against India to win or even stay in it for five days,”

“Before we came here, we had a game plan. Then we said to the guys, if you get a start, you have to bat long. But they scored only 50-60 runs and got out. It’s unfortunate but I’m sure they will learn.”

Sri Lanka now need to win the third and final Test of the series, starting in Delhi on Saturday, to level the series after the first game in Kolkata was drawn.