Sri Lanka hoping for a miracle in Australia Test series

BRISBANE: Sri Lanka have closely studied the way India defeated Australia in their recent Test series, but captain Dinesh Chandimal said Wednesday his side will still need a miracle to do the same.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Thursday’s opening Test at the Gabba, Chandimal was cautious when asked about Sri Lanka’s chances.

“It’s definitely a challenge for us, and if you can take this challenge — and as a batsman or as a bowler you give it your best shot and give 200 percent to the team — we can do a miracle here,” he said.

“That’s what we want to do as a team, and we’ll keep our fingers crossed.”

Chandimal said he had kept a close eye on the “outstanding cricket” played by India in their first Test series win in Australia, which wrapped up earlier this month.

“When India were bowling between 40 and 80 overs they didn’t give any runs away in that period. They kept it at under three an over. That’s the area where I think they won the series,” he said.

“If we want to win a game that is the area we’ll have to improve, and we’re aware of that.”

The Sri Lankan skipper said he wasn’t perturbed by the notoriously fast and bouncy Gabba wicket.

“When you look at the pitch you can see a lot of grass on the wicket,” he said.

“We have got really good fast bowlers — Suranga (Lakmal), Lahiru Kumara, (Dushmantha) Chameera. Kumar can bowl over 140 (kilometres per hour) — so that’s a real plus,” he added.

Chandimal said he wanted to make history and become the first Sri Lankan captain to win a Test series in Australia, but wouldn’t take his opponents lightly.

“We never underestimate the Australians,” he said.

“They have some really good players, but in their batting unit they are missing a lot of experienced players. So if we can get early wickets we can put them under pressure.”

Agence France-Presse