In the ongoing Test match in Galle, Bangladesh have amassed a formidable first-innings total of 484 for 9, a score usually considered advantageous on this ground. Yet, given the unusually batter-friendly conditions, both teams are cautious in declaring a clear front-runner. Highlighting this, Bangladesh’s assistant coach, Mohammad Salahuddin, remarked, “It’s hard to tell who is in the driving seat – it depends on who is winning each session.”
Milan Rathnayake, a bowling all-rounder for Sri Lanka, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the effort both sides have put in so far. “It’s not easy [to judge which team is ahead]. Both teams did really well today,” he mentioned.
Experts and players alike have noted the unexpected nature of this Galle pitch. Known more for rewarding bowlers, this time it’s showing its softer side. Salahuddin commented, “It still looks like a batting-friendly pitch. I hope the wicket can break in the next couple of days.” Rathnayake added, “The pitch is definitely one that favours batters. Even though it’s the second day, it’s just as good for batting. I don’t think it’s changed since yesterday.”
Despite these ideal conditions for batters, Sri Lanka managed a comeback during the closing stages of the second day’s play. Bangladesh, who had progressed to 423 for 4, stumbled to 484 for 9 due to a late flurry of wickets falling – five for 26 runs in the last session. Rathnayake attributed his success to classic swing bowling rather than reverse swing. Salahuddin conceded, “I will take the positive from Sri Lanka’s bowling – they maintained the ball very well in that last session, unlike the previous five sessions.”
Reflecting on the day’s play, Rathnayake focused on Sri Lanka’s recovery in the later part of the day, despite earlier slip-ups like dropped catches and missed run-outs. “We did miss a few chances and it did have an effect,” Rathnayake acknowledged, “But at the end of the day our bowlers did make a recovery. Though their batters did well we could have cut down their runs by holding our chances. But I think the bowlers made some ground at the end of the day.”
As this evenly poised Test continues, both teams are poised to capitalise on any breakthroughs. Expert analysis suggests a shared belief in the unpredictability of the contest, making it an intriguing match for cricket enthusiasts and fans alike.
Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf
