Kumar Sangakkara’s advice for Australian batsmen
Aug 2, 2016 at 10:34 AM
For any team to assert its dominance in test cricket, it has to succeed in the testing conditions of the subcontinent. Over the years, numerous captains from Australia, England, and South Africa have achieved overall success, but their victory statistics in the subcontinent haven’t been all that impressive. A key aspect of doing well in the subcontinent is to play well in Sri Lanka.
Playing well in Sri Lanka possesses major challenges for any visiting team as the hosts are just too assertive in their own backyard. Recently, a beaming outfit led by the effervescent Steve Smith just realized the true potential of the Sri Lankans at Kandy. After dominating the game for a major portion, the Australians were undone by the brilliance of the rookie Kusal Mendis, who scored a gritty second innings ton.
However, Australia’s primary woes came to the fore when their batsmen meekly surrendered against the guile of the veteran Rangana Herath. With the second test scheduled at an event tougher venue, things look bleak for the Australians. In a recent interview, former Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara had a piece of advice for the Kangaroos.
“Only if the wicket’s ragging sic and the bowler’s bowling a wide line outside off stump will you have your bat and your pad slightly together, which negates the LBW if it does turn and hits you on the pad,” Sangakkara said in his recent interaction. “The game’s evolved.”
“These days a lot of batsmen have a slightly wider stance when they play spin than when they play pace, so they spread themselves, their center of gravity is lower, the head’s slightly lower so they can judge the flight and the dip, and therefore make it easier to judge the length. “Some great players of spin use their feet a lot, some very good players of spin don’t use their feet much,” the batting great added.
Sangakkara also stated that the Australians needed to be more confident with their defense. “All of these are important traits, but they all start with a fearless defense,” Sangakkara said. “When a player can play a back-foot or a forward defense with absolute authority, there’s no more demoralizing sight for a good spinner who’s turning the ball.”