Much less grass than Kolkata: Chandimal

By Paritosh Pramanik
NAGPUR, Nov 23

THE centre wicket at the Jamtha stadium might look green but according to Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal, it is far less than what was on offer at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for the first Test.
Sri Lanka had rattled India in the first innings with slight assistance from overcast conditions in the first Test. Chandimal said conditions here would not assist the seam bowlers much.
Speaking on the eve of the second Test starting Friday, Chandimal said the contest would be more even between bat and ball.
“We saw so much grass at Eden Gardens. Here it is very less. This looks a good Test pitch. It’s a challenge for us as a team. We are looking forward to the game,” he said.
When asked to elaborate on a ‘good Test wicket’, Chandimal said, “The first few days will be good for batters. Then it might turn. That’s the kind of wicket I think that is.”
Chandimal said Sri Lanka have learned a lot from their last home series and they are now looking to win a series in India.
“We learned a lot from the last Indian series in Sri Lanka. The most important thing is we came here to win the series. Our attitude has changed. As I said every time our fielding also has made a huge difference – there’s a lot of energy. We have looked at a six-five combination or six-four - plus an all-rounder. That’s the combination we are looking at,” Chandimal said.
However, the Lankan skipper admitted that it would be a huge challenge to beat India in their own backyard.
“If you take the Indian team, they are a very good side. It is a big challenge for us as a team to come here and win a game or a series. But I am sure we can do some miracle here,” he said.
Chandimal backed premier bowler Lahiru Gamage who was not among wickets in Kolkata.
“Kolkata was his second game. His first game was in Dubai and he did well against Pakistan. You can have a bad day and you can have a bad game. He is a really good player. He has a lot of experience, having played quite a bit of domestic cricket. I am sure he will be a good asset, especially when bowling on a wicket like this,” he said.