First innings batting debacle cost us the match, says Chandimal

Our first innings batting failure was the reason for losing the first test against South Africa which was  a disappointing result for all said Sri Lanka experienced batsman Dinesh Chandimal who made a fighting knock of 83 in 174 balls with 12 fours in the second innings.

We were all out for 42 within 14 overs and it was never expected and all of  us were shocked  after this poor display.

Chandimal further said this type of incidents  can happen in cricket but as a good team you need to learn from that and looking forward to come back. When you look at our fourth  innings batting. We all know it is not easy task to bat in fourth innings on South Africa wickets. But we managed to score nearly 300 runs and it was a plus point of this first test. I am sure we can  do well in  the second test by rectifying  our mistakes added Chandimal.

Actually first innings failure was the key factor. If we can get close to 300 runs in the first innings we could have stayed in the game with more expectations. We have talented fast bowlers like Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara we can get these bowlers to the needful That’s why I hope our batters can come back said Chandimal.

Now we are discussing about our failure and want to come back with more confidence. On last England series first two games we played better and that clearly guided to get third test win at Oval. On this South Africa tour we haven’t warm up game before test match this was the our first innings played on centre wicket but this was not an excuse. Despite our pathetic display  in the first innings our coaching staff tried to motivate us and they discussed with us and made some fighting innings in the fourth innings added Chandimal.

Our bowlers restricted them for 191 and that was a good effort. But as batsmen we had to get runs and we are to be blamed for our failure he said.

In 2011 my debut test played at same Durban grounds and we won against South Africa first time and I still remember my two fifties in that debut game. However in this game I missed my hundred. But most disappointed about the loss than my century. Most important is winninghe match. Some times this is going to be my last South Africa tour and if we can win next game it always give more enjoyable journey for me concluded Chandimal the former Sri Lanka skipper.

Source:Daily News