Sri Lanka Eyes Commanding Lead as Mendis Backs Spin to Dominate Test

Mendis Anticipates Significant Lead as Sri Lanka Seizes Control on Day 2

Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batter, expressed confidence that securing a lead of 150-200 runs would solidify his team's dominance. He anticipates spin will be a major factor in the final two days of the ongoing second Test match.

Mendis credited Nissanka for his brilliant batting display © AFP

Sri Lanka concluded Day 2 with a score of 290/2, establishing a 43-run lead in the first innings. This was largely due to Pathum Nissanka's impressive unbeaten 146 and Dinesh Chandimal's contribution of 93 runs.

"We are in a very good position, and our aim is to bat throughout the entire day tomorrow. We're targeting a lead between 150 and 200 runs. We expect the pitch to favor spin during the last two days," Mendis stated following the second day's play.

He further added, "Our strategy is to accumulate as many runs as possible, aiming for a total exceeding 400. Hopefully, we can achieve that tomorrow."

Mendis also noted the changing conditions of the pitch. "The grass has dried, and footmarks are emerging, leading me to believe it will offer more turn. Our intention is to avoid batting in the fourth innings. We are focused on batting deeply now and applying pressure on the opposition."

Mendis lauded Nissanka for his exceptional batting performance and emphasized the importance of recognizing the efforts of their pace bowlers, who were instrumental in dismissing the opposition for under 250 runs.

"Watching Pathum bat has been a delight. He demonstrated exceptional skill. He has consistently scored runs, even in the previous series. It was unfortunate that he missed achieving a double century in Galle, and I hope he reaches that milestone here. He has been a consistent performer for us across all three formats. He dedicates himself to improving his game, which is clearly evident."

He further commented on the bowlers, "Our fast bowlers executed the plans perfectly. They maintained discipline in their lengths and lines. On a pitch offering limited pace, that's precisely what's required, both with the new ball and the old ball. This is the best I have seen our fast bowlers perform in Sri Lanka."

Mendis concluded, "We anticipated the wicket would slow down and offer turn. Our fast bowlers were outstanding, and they deserve significant recognition. As we progress into Day Four, I anticipate the conditions will be significantly different from what we have observed thus far."

Meanwhile, Bangladesh head coach Phil Simmons attributed their performance to the batting unit's failure to establish partnerships. He also noted the significant changes in the wicket during the second innings.

Simmons stated, "Our missed opportunity was the failure to construct substantial partnerships yesterday, which resulted in us entering today with only two or three wickets remaining."

He elaborated, "It boils down to our batting and the partnerships we were unable to forge. At least two or three batsmen should have capitalized yesterday and achieved significant scores. I trust we have taken note of Nissanka's impressive batting display and that we will approach the second innings with the objective of scoring big runs."

Simmons added, "The wicket undoubtedly improved. On the first day, it was somewhat sticky and inconsistent in pace. Today, it improved considerably, and we witnessed how straightforward it became for the batters. There wasn't as much turn as there was yesterday, and the batters performed well. That's sometimes the nature of Test cricket."