Sangakkara backs bowlers

Skipper pleased with attack after stalemate in Colombo

Last updated: 30th July 2010  

Sangakkara backs bowlers

Sangakkara: Pleased with players

Related links

Teams

Also see

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangkkara paid tribute to his players after the second Test against India concluded in a draw.

On a lifeless SSC pitch in Colombo, Sri Lanka racked up a mammoth 642-run first-innings total thanks largely to a double century from Sangakkara and a 174 from Mahela Jayawardene.

However, India were able to surpass the total - and secure a 65-run lead - as Sachin Tendulkar secured his fifth double century in Tests while Suresh Raina scored a maiden century on his debut.

Ajantha Mendis snapping up four wickets, with part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan grabbing figures of three for 56 in his 27 overs, and Sangakkara was pleased with their tenacity in difficult circumstances.

"It was hard work for the bowlers," Sangakkara said. "But our guys impressed today. We were always on the attack, always had catchers around the batsmen and we didn't let anything slip."

Positives

Sri Lanka remain 1-0 up in the series and could go second in the ICC Test rankings if they win the third rubber starting on Tuesday.

"We just have to concentrate on playing a good Test match," Sangakkara added. "There are a lot of positives to take regarding our batting and bowling in this Test.

"We probably need to brush up a bit on our fielding. It's hard to keep concentration out there for long periods of time, but you have to be fit enough to do that.

"A half-chance for a wicket on a track like this is really important."

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni was disappointed the pitch didn't have a little more life in it.

"If there's a bit more turn - if not for the fast bowlers but for the spinners - it would make things interesting," he said. "It doesn't have to be a bouncy or seaming track. It just needs to be a sporty track.

"We've got plenty of learning from the last two Test matches to do. So let's hope for the best in the third game."

Click Here for Your Free Bet