Gary Kirsten Sees Development Potential Despite Sri Lanka’s Test Loss to India
Sri Lanka men’s cricket team coach Gary Kirsten remains optimistic about the team’s progress despite suffering a 165-run defeat against India in Galle. This match marked Sri Lanka’s first Test at home in 14 months, following a year-long hiatus from the format prior to June. Under Kirsten, the team is yet to claim a Test victory, having lost two of three matches since his appointment, including a previous defeat in Antigua in June.
Kirsten expressed that players are starting to “gain some shape” and display more consistency in their roles. “It’s sometimes tough when you don’t play much Test cricket to understand how you need to play,” he noted. He added that the team is beginning to develop but emphasized the need for improved performances. “You need to be able to get 20 wickets consistently, bowl teams out with your seam, and be able to bowl teams out with spin as well,” Kirsten stated, highlighting the importance of strengthening the Test squad.
In the recent match, the Sri Lankan batting order struggled, with the team facing rapid losses early in both innings—starting at 90 for 5 in the first and 47 for 4 in the second. Kirsten identified this batting inadequacy as a significant factor in the defeat, as the team could not cope with India’s total of 460 runs.
Looking ahead, Kirsten is hopeful that the upcoming busier Test schedule could help his team build momentum. In addition to the second Test against India at the SSC, Sri Lanka is scheduled for away tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, followed by hosting South Africa for two Tests in February and March.
On the bowling front, Kirsten highlighted a positive aspect, noting that the team managed to dismiss India for 193 runs in their second innings. He praised the bowlers’ efforts, stating, “We got 10 wickets in just under 50 overs, which is an amazing effort.” He believes that had a few catches been converted, the game might have had a different outcome. “Where we probably lost the game was losing wickets up front in both innings,” he said.
Special Credits: Image Courtesy of Espn
