Chandimal confident Sri Lanka can compete
Sri Lanka Test captain Dinesh Chandimal feels that his side can build on the away series win over Pakistan when they face India in a three Test series.
Chandimal is aware of the magnitude of the challenge facing them with India being nearly invincible at home in recent times.
India have not looked like letting the number one Test ranking slip but Chandimal feels his side can learn from the 3-0 whitewash they suffered to India earlier this year.
Speaking to the media ahead of the first Test in Kolkata Chandimal said: “We all know India is No. 1 at the moment.
“In Tests, they have played some really good cricket in the last two years. It was a tough series against them in Sri Lanka.
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka ill-prepared to run the gauntlet
“As a team, we have learnt a lot and we just need to get the positives out of the last series. As a unit, we are much more relaxed after winning against Pakistan.
“We have really good confidence. The guys are in good shape and we are looking forward to the series.
“Actually, if you look at their record in the last two years, it has been outstanding.
“They have done a lot of hard work in practice and on and off the field. They are good as a team and in every format, they have got the balance.”
The Sri Lanka skipper feels that India might be distracted by a big tour to South Africa that looms in the new year.
ALSO READ: Mathews set to play as batsman in India Tests
He added: “Their next tour is in South Africa and they all will think about that series.
“(But) as a team, we need to do the right things, execute our plans well. They are really good with their experience and their game but we need to do our best. Then, the results will come our way.”
The first Test gets underway at Eden Gardens on Thursday.
Latest
-
NewsChris Silverwood hopes England batsmen can learn from quickfire third-Test loss
Silverwood would not be drawn into criticising the pitch.
-
NewsEngland players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
NewsNat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
NewsJoe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
NewsIt was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
NewsCharlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
NewsJoe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
NewsPundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
NewsIndia v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.