Ravichandran Ashwin was the consistent tormentor for Kumar Sangakkara in the current Test series between India and Sri Lanka where the off-spinner got the better of the left-hander on four successive occasions.
Sir Don Bradman, playing in his final series, had said that he often found it difficult to spot the ball because his eyes were wet thinking that in a few days’ time he won’t be playing cricket again.
When reminded of that and compared to his four dismissals against Ashwin, Sangakkara had a different reply.
“The only four balls I couldn’t see were the ones bowled by Ashwin to me,” he said, inviting smiles from the reporters here after India’s 278-run win which allowed the visitors to level the three-match series at 1-1.That followed a question who the left-hander found most difficult facing in his 15-year career.
“Ashwin in this series, Zaheer Khan, Graeme Swann – when I’ve played against some of these bowlers. I’ve sometimes been unsuccessful, but you’re always trying to refine your strategy and come out of that,” Sangakkara said, before adding the name of Pakistan’s legendary fast bowler to the list.
“Wasim Akram is someone I’ve played only when I was young – thankfully. He’s got me out once and his bowling style was excellent. Playing against cricketers like this is a big challenge,” said the Sri Lankan batting maestro.
By his standards, Sangakkara failed in both the innings in his final Test scoring 32 and 18, and he was a touch disappointed about that, especially since his team lost.
“Yes, there is disappointment, but that’s what’s great about cricket. You don’t know what will happen. You try one thing, and if it doesn’t work, you try something else. If it works, then you win and are happy. I’m not too downhearted about it,” he explained his feelings.