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Adelaide: Desperate to win their first match of the tournament, former captain Kumar Sangakkara Monday put up a brave front ahead of their match against India in the tri-series, here Tuesday.
“Our strength has always been playing India away from India. India are always strong in India, with the smaller grounds and conditions they are used to. But away from home, we have always done very well against them,” Sangakkara said, trying to play a few mind games knowing well that he can’t back his statements with facts which state otherwise.
In Australia, India have lost only one out of six matches against Sri Lanka.
Sangakkara was right on his money, when he stressed his team needed to win at least four of the remaining six league matches. “You have got to win a minimum of four games to have any chance of qualifying for the finals. Tomorrow is another opportunity.”
Sri Lanka have so far played two matches and lost both though they could have easily ended up as winners in one of those games.
“Yeah, I think so… We should have been one-up by now. Unfortunately, we aren’t. As soon as we get a game right with batsmen batting a lot better than they did and having more partnerships, we stand a very good chance.”
Sangakkara’s oblique reference was to their last game against Australia in Perth, when they failed to chase down a small target of 232 under lights at the Waca.
“I think it was close because Angelo Matthews really got there in the end. There was a time when we were out of it. It was a case of not building enough partnerships and losing too many wickets too soon.”
He doesn’t feel that the bounce of the Waca pitch did his team in the other night.
“I think the Perth wicket was good for us too. If you are a batsman and in the evening under the lights, the wicket settles down beautifully. You can really enjoy batting.
“Adelaide Oval too is as good for the batsmen over the years. Everyone is looking forward to it.
“Again as a unit, collectively we have got to be a bit smarter and also be able to win those big moments.”
(Agencies)
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