Mathews: We must forget about the first Test
Sri Lanka Test captain Angelo Mathews has urged his side to forget about their victory over India in the first match of the series and try and improve in all three departments.
Hosts Sri Lanka beat India by 63 runs in Galle after producing one of the best comebacks in Test history to pull off the victory.
Ahead of the second Test, starting in Colombo on Thursday, Mathews wants his side to forget about their first Test exploits and concentrate on the match at hand.
Mathews said: "India had us by the throat for three days but the courage and character the boys showed is unbelievable – to come back within three sessions to win the game.
"[But] Now it's history and we have got two more games to go…We can improve a lot when it comes to all three departments."
With India having collapsed against spin bowling in the second innings in Galle, there is a perception that this India batting line-up is not as good against slow bowling as previous teams that had legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in them.
Mathews says it is expected that the younger players would need time to adapt, just like his team has to adapt without the already retired Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, who will quit after the next Test.
The Sri Lanka skipper said: "You are comparing the legends of the game with the young Indian team. When it comes to Sanga and Mahela [Jayawardene], there is quite a difference in our team as well [if we compare].
"You can't really compare Dravids, Sachins, Laxmans with the young, up and coming Indian team but they are extremely good batters. They have not played too many games for India but with time they will be really good players."
Latest
-
NewsThis winter’s Ashes series will go ahead, says Australia captain Tim Paine
Joe Root has refused to fully commit to the tour, with the first Test scheduled for December 8.
-
NewsWarwickshire land glorious domestic double with Bob Willis Trophy win
Bears see of Lancashire with ease.
-
NewsIreland batter Paul Stirling cannot wait for the Men’s T20 World Cup
The explosive opener is excited for Ireland to once more test themselves against the best.
-
NewsEngland’s postponed tour of Holland rearranged for next June
England last faced the Dutch during the 2014 World Cup where they suffered a shock defeat.
-
NewsWill Rhodes and Rob Yates hit centuries as Warwickshire dominate Lancashire
Matt Parkinson was rewarded for his toil on a placid pitch with three wickets.
-
NewsJos Buttler against going to Australia without family as he awaits Ashes clarity
Buttler is preparing to fly to the United Arab Emirates next week for the Twenty20 World Cup.
-
NewsECB is braced for ‘more challenging discussions’ over Ashes tour
ECB chair Ian Watmore admitted there are more hurdles to be cleared after last week receiving the latest update from Cricket Australia.
-
NewsWarwickshire dominate first day at Lord’s as Lancashire collapse
Craig Miles took five wickets and the Red Rose were 12 for six before reaching 78, with the Bears 120 without loss in reply.
-
NewsJoe Root ‘desperate’ to play in Ashes but admits he is unable to commit yet
Root and his England team-mates are still in the dark about the exact conditions of entry into Australia.
-
NewsJoe Root ‘very grateful’ to win men’s player of the year at PCA awards
Eve Jones became the first female domestic professional to claim a PCA award when she was named cinch women’s player of the year.