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Sri Lanka National Cricket Team head coach Gary Kirsten has opened up about his conversation with India National Cricket Team head coach Gautam Gambhir after the hosts lost the two-match Test series opener in Galle on August 19.
India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. The second and final test is scheduled at Colombo from August 23. Amid this, 'WTC final is ultimate goal': Shubman Gill after Galle Test win.
Gary Kirsten opens up about his conversation with Gautam Gambhir in Galle
After Sri Lanka’s crushing defeat in Galle, Gary Kirsten revealed that his discussion with Gautam Gambhir, whom he coached when he was India’s head coach, was mainly about the challenges of coaching and the importance of Test cricket.
The legendary South African cricketer shared that both coaches share a strong belief in Test cricket, and they want their players to perform well in Test cricket, the longest format of the game.
Gary Kirsten said at the post-match press conference in Galle: “Gautam and I spoke about coaching. Both Gautam and I value Test cricket strongly, and there is a certain way we both want our teams to play. We want our players to do well in this format. Good conversation with him, but it was more about the challenges of coaching.”
Gary Kirsten hails Manav Suthar after his sensational Galle show
The Sri Lankan head coach hailed India's young spinner Manav Suthar. The left-arm spinner picked up 10 wickets for 131 runs across both innings and played a major role in India's 165-run victory.
Kirsten believes that Suthar has all the qualities needed to become a successful Test bowler. His calm nature, strong basics, and ability to stay behind the ball have impressed the former Indian coach.
He said, “Manav Suthar is a very talented bowler. Very grounded…gets behind the ball. He's a very good Test bowler. Wish him the best.” Earlier, “Couldn’t have asked for anything better”: Devdutt Padikkal after winning PoTM award in Galle Test.
Gary Kirsten praises Sri Lanka’s fightback despite crushing Galle defeat
Despite losing the first Test, Kirsten was happy with the way Sri Lanka fought back against India in Galle. Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella stitched a crucial 146-run stand to bring the Islanders back into the game after they slipped to 90/5 in the first innings.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Dinusha showed great resistance on the final day as well after Sri Lankan bowlers restricted India to 192 runs in their second innings in Galle. Prabath Jayasuriya (7 wickets), Keshara Nuwantha (4), and Asitha Fernando (6) were excellent with the ball.
The Sri Lankan coach revealed that they were hoping to at least draw the first Test, but credit to the Indian bowlers for the way they bowled in Galle on Day 5.
Kirsten added, “We believed this morning as well that we can do something. If not win, then at least draw. But happy with the fightback.”
Dinesh Chandimal to miss the Colombo Test
In a massive setback for the Islanders, the head coach has confirmed that Dinesh Chandimal is ruled out of the second and final Test against India in Colombo.
Kirsten has confirmed that both Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka will remain unavailable for selection for the Colombo Test.
