IND vs SL: We Are Very Happy But We Are Not Getting Too Comfortable: Nic Pothas

Nov 17, 2017 at 5:53 PM

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IND vs SL: We Are Very Happy But We Are Not Getting Too Comfortable: Nic Pothas

After not being given even an outside chance of posing a stiff challenge to India let alone winning a Test in the ongoing series, it took Sri Lanka only 33 overs to dispel those speculations.

Dinesh Chandimal’s decision to bowl first on the green Eden Gardens track with overcast conditions was fully justified by Suranga Lakmal as he ran through India’s top-order to reduce them to 17 for three before the first day’s play was called off due to bad light. The Islanders made further inroads in the game when Dasun Shanaka took a couple more on the second day, reducing the hosts to 50 for 5. But before they could strengthen their grip on the match any further, rain brought a premature end to the second day’s play too as India found themselves reeling at 74 for 5.

Shanaka took two early wickets on the second day (Credits: BCCI)

But despite having the world number one side on the mats, Sri Lanka head coach Nic Pothas has warned his side against getting excited.

“You have got to play your best cricket and strategize and plan accordingly. The game is not that old and we have only finished two days of play. Where we stand at the moment, we are very happy, but we are not getting too comfortable as it is a high quality Indian team,” Pothas told journalists after the second day’s play.

The interim coach further heaped praise on Suranga Lakmal who has proved almost unplayable for the hosts. The lanky pacer had taken 3 for none off his six overs on an opening day and had so far conceded only five runs off 11 overs.

“He is a very intelligent bowler. He does a lot of research and knows how to control his workload. He is very astute and knows when he is prepared. That’s the mark of any international bowler. He has improved immeasurably since the tour of South Africa. If you are playing international cricket, you have to always improve,” Pothas added.

Lakmal ran through India’s top-order on the opening day (Credits: BCCI)

Pothas also termed the suggestions that India has prepared the pitch to prepare for the South Africa tour in January as speculations.

“That’s speculation. They have the right to do what suits their team for whatever is coming up. Good planning from their point of view and they have the right to do so. But as I said that’s speculation. All what we can do is to play to our best ability with the conditions that are provided,” he said.

Cheteshwar Pujara has held firm from one end (Credits: BCCI)

When asked about his team’s next course of action in the game, Pothas said:

“We just have to rely on our processes. It is not rocket science. We have got to go back and hit our lengths right. Hopefully, things will go our way. So far we are pleased how things have gone for us. It will be very challenging batting conditions. You have got to still go out there and do the job.”

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