Herath: The cold doesn’t bother me anyway

Veteran Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath is touring England for a third time, and is looking forward to his final cricketing trip to the UK being as enjoyable as his first in 2009.

Herath was already 31 back then, playing in the lower County leagues, and was loving his time in England, despite the weather. He says he is unbothered by the climate and conditions, and will use it to his advantage.

Herath said ahead of the first Test in Leeds: "All that time in England is a positive because a lot of people struggle in these conditions with the cold. All that has added to my experience.

"More than the technique here, it's more about identifying weaknesses in players and assessing situations here. It's important to work out how batsmen are using their feet, and to figure out if they are stronger square of the wicket, or if they are driving well.

"You have to know which balls they will try to attack, and which areas they will try to hit you to. It's not easy conditions for any spinner. Your technique does also have to be sound. With my action, I'm confident that it is."

The last time Sri Lanka played in England was in 2014, when Sri Lanka won the series on the final day, in the final minutes, in dramatic fashion. James Anderson, the last wicket standing, was out with minutes to go on day five.

Herath hopes the struggling Sri Lankans can draw confidence from those memories: "We have a lot of confidence from having won the last series, and we have added to the attack since then.

"I have lots of faith that we can take 20 wickets here. Last time we didn't have Dushmantha Chameera. He is an extra quick option for us.

"When the quicks are attacking, I have to slip into that supporting role and keep it tight from my side. On the fourth or fifth day, I will get some opportunities as well."

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