Team India gear up for danger spinner Herath
GALLE: Over the years, one feature of Sri Lankan cricket has been the ability to unearth mystery spinners on a regular basis, using them as surprise weapons against the visiting teams.
The opponents are always wary of what the hosts could have up their sleeves. After the unorthodox Muttiah Muralitharan dominated for years, the Indian team in 2008 was ambushed by carom-ball artist, Ajantha Mendis.
However, Sri Lanka’s stand-in captain Rangana Hearth declared there was no surprise weapon in his armoury this time as India start a threeTest series. “There are no secret spinners. If you see the squad, you can see the spinners,” said Herath before the Galle Test.
The world’s leading left-arm spinner admitted that compared to the last time they played in Galle and won, in 2015, it will be a challenge for his bowling attack against the Indian batsmen.
“Last time, (Dinesh) Chandimal scored 160 odd (162*) and then I took some wickets (seven in the second innings). But this time, India’s batting is very strong.
“Whatever happened in the recent past doesn’t count. We’re starting another new series and need to start well. Even we have a game plan for each and every single player… but we’re starting a new game,” said Herath, who felt there won’t be much for the spinners in the wicket and it will only offer assistance to them in the final two days.
India start favourites, but Herath is the one who will keep the visiting batsmen on their toes. Herath is 39, an age when cricketers are long retired. But such has been his form and impact that Virat Kohli and Co can take him lightly at their peril. The India skipper admitted his team will be wary of Herath, especially after how he rallied Sri Lanka in Galle in 2015.
“He’s a quality bowler. Last time, he really dented us in that small chase. It was a great eyeopener. We worked on those things in the next two games and we were able to win the series. He played both the games and the ball was still doing a bit. I think our batsmen came up with the goods and they had counter plans in place. So, we understand what he brings to the table and what needs to be done.”