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ShareAhmedabad, Ahmedabad: The first Test at Motera isn't just the start of the series for Sri Lanka. The Islanders are looking for that elusive Test win on Indian soil and a series victory for their illustrious teammate, Muttiah Muralitharan, who will be playing his last overseas tour.
MS Dhoni and Co. will face Sri Lanka in the first of the three-match series at the Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium at Motera starting on Monday. "Test wins over West Indies, Pakistan and New Zealand have given us confidence. Now, we want to beat India in their own backyard. I guess the boys will definitely like to do that for Murali," Sri Lanka coach Trevor Baylis said.
Baylis feels spin doctors Murali, Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis provide the side with the right kind of balance. The pacers, too, will come to the party after their recent success in the subcontinent, he feels. "It will be unfair to Chaminda Vaas if we credit only Murali for our recent successes. Vaas has complimented Murali well," said Baylis, who was happy with the emergence of pacers like Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara.
The Lankan coach feels that Herath and Mendis have to work hard on their bowling to carry forward Murali's legacy. "They have to be quick learners and should adapt to the conditions. They have long careers ahead," he said.
The Aussie was equally impressed with his batters. "Thilan Samaraweera and Tillakaratne Dilshan have been among the top run-getters this year and this has eased the pressure off senior pros like Sangakkara and Jayawardena considerably," explained Baylis.
Meanwhile, talking of Sachin Tendulkar, Baylis acknowledged the maestro's mental strength. "He has been so consistent over the years, which is a testimony to his character," said Baylis. On Sunday, the Mumbaikar will complete 20 years in international cricket, while Sanath Jayasuriya, who will join the ODI squad, is one month away from this achievement.
