Kohli faces big test in Sri Lanka

by Ranjan Anandappa

Despite Sri Lanka losing the recently concluded home series against Pakistan in all three formats, Indian captain Virat Kohli believes that the three Test matches against the host country should provide a high voltage series.

The first Test will begin on August 12 at the Galle International Stadium, one of the Island’s most picturesque and successful venues.

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews said that the last time the two teams met it was a significant occasion as it was a farewell Test for off spinner Muthiah Muralitharan who retired from Test cricket bowling his side to a memorable win .

“This time too it will be a very special occasion for all of us as Kumar Sangakkara will be playing his last Test match at the P.Sara Oval. So both teams are all geared up to bring out their best to make this series a memorable one” said the Sri Lankan captain.

India last won a Test series in Sri Lanka under Mohammed Azharuddin in 1993. Thereafter in 1997 a series was drawn nil all.

India lost (1-2) in 2001, (1-2) in 2008 and drew (1-1) in 2010.

In the 2008 series, spinner Ajantha Mendis instilled a lot of uncertainty in the minds of the Indian batsman .

In the Galle Test besides Virender Shewag who scored an unbeaten 201, eight of the other Indian batsmen failed to enter double figures as Mendis took six wickets in that innings.

Virat Kohli leading India for the first time in a series in his 34 Test match career will no doubt come hard on the Sri Lankans with his aggressive approach towards the game which he had developed in Australia last year.

“I do not intend to change my style, I have been criticised a lot for being aggressive and that is something I believe has given me success as an individual and that we believe as a team as well not going beyond the lines of discipline where the body language is concerned.

“It is an exciting moment for me as for the first time I am captaining a full Test series and a young team all starting their careers together. Sri Lanka is a very special place for me as I played my first International game here and it has a very special place in my heart. We have played so many games against Sri Lanka and we know each other very well. The guys get along very well with one another which makes the contest more competitive”, said Kohli.

Speaking further Kohli declared: “Sri Lanka has been one team which has been very generous as far as our cricketing relationships are concerned . Last year when we had a problem during the West Indies series, Sri Lanka generously agreed to step in. So I am really grateful for that”.

Both teams have young players and it is certain that these players will come up with some good performances in view of cementing their places in the side.

Kohli also paid a tribute to the retiring Kumar Sangakkara describing him as a ‘top bracket left-hander in the world”.

“I am sure Sri Lanka will really miss him. I have had a great relationship with him. When we play against each other we have conversations and he is someone who is always helpful to talk about cricket and always willing to help younger cricketers”, Kohli added/

Mathews said that the team cannot keep worrying what happened in the past but instead be positive and start winning.

“The series is going to be areal touch one for both teams”, said Mathews who also confirmed that pacemen Dushmantha Chameera and Suranga Lakmal would definitely be out of the first Test due to injuries.