Mathews: There will be a bit of rustiness
Captain Angelo Mathews is eager to negate the negative effects of a dearth of Test cricket, when Sri Lanka's series opener against Pakistan gets underway in Sharjah on Tuesday.
Captain Angelo Mathews is eager to negate the negative effects of a dearth of Test cricket, when Sri Lanka's series opener against Pakistan gets underway in Sharjah on Tuesday.
The Sri Lankans have not played the longest format of the international game since March, against Bangladesh, instead completing a slew of ODI and Twenty20 International series.
"We are playing a Test match after a long time and that's a challenge for us as a team. We've played some four-day cricket, but it's not as good as playing a Test. There will be a bit of rustiness – there might be," said Mathews.
The in-form Saeed Ajmal will likely prove a major threat during the three-match affair, but Mathews is confident a squad sporting the services of the recalled Mahela Jayawardene and former captain Kumar Sangakkara will succeed.
"Ajmal has been talked about a lot in the team and we've made plans about how we are going to play him. There's good experience in the team, if you take Sangakkara, Mahela and Prasanna Jayawardene. With that experience we should be able play him well, give him no wickets and make big totals," he added.
Latest
-
NewsIn-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.
-
NewsJames Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.
-
NewsStuart Broad delivers costliest Test innings as India take control at Edgbaston
Broad gave up a record 35 runs in the penultimate over of India’s first innings.
-
NewsStuart Broad over costs a Test record 35 runs as India take charge at Edgbaston
The tourists reduced England to 60 for three having made 416 in their first innings.
-
NewsStuart Broad makes history twice on wild morning at Edgbaston
Bowler reached two milestones, one definitely unwanted.
-
NewsTest cricket’s most expensive over – a ball-by-ball account
Stuart Broad’s over to Jasprit Bumrah went for 35 – seven more than the previous record.
-
NewsNew England captain Jos Buttler unable to prevent Lancashire defeat in Blast
The Lightning were defeated by Worcestershire Rapids.
-
NewsYou’ve got to applaud – Paul Collingwood hails ‘world-class’ Rishabh Pant knock
Pant blazed 146 off just 111 balls on an entertaining first day between England and India at Edgbaston.
-
IndiaSuperb Rishabh Pant century turns Indian fortunes around against England
Pant smashed a brillaint 146 off just 111 balls.
-
NewsJos Buttler admits becoming England white-ball captain could end Test chances
The wicketkeeper-batter has replaced Eoin Morgan in charge of England’s white-ball teams.