Sanga’s tips key to win: Angelo
london — Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said an inspirational net session with the legendary Kumar Sangakkara played a key role in his side’s stunning win over defending champions India in a must-win match.
Former skipper Sangakkara, who is currently playing for Surrey, spent some time with his country’s youngsters before yesterday’s crucial clash against India.
Mathews thanked Sangakkara for his tips to Kusal Mendis, who made 89 on Thursday, and other young batsmen.
“Yeah, he (Mendis) met Kumar Sangakkara to get a few batting tips, and he’s the king, and we all look up to him. We all get advice from him, all the batters,” Mathews said.
“He taught us a lot of good things on how to play on these tracks. Yesterday (Wednesday) the guys met him and took a lot of advice and went out there and implemented it.”
Sri Lanka were thrashed by South Africa in their opening match last week but bounced back in style to chase down India’s imposing 321-run total at The Oval with seven wickets in hand.
Mathews sympathised with coach Graham Ford who had been criticised a lot for the team’s poor show.
Mathews said he, in fact, was ready for the brickbats had his gamble of sending an injured Kusal Perera back to the pavilion not worked. Kusal was batting well on 47 when he was forced to retire due to a hamstring pull.
“Yeah, it’s always the coach and the captain. Kusal Perera’s call was also crucial. As a captain, I had to send him, and it would have been a few bullets fired at me if it hadn’t gone too well. But that’s what we are there for — to take crucial decisions at crucial times, and it doesn’t matter if it fails,” the Lankan skipper said. — PTI