Sanath Jayasuriya reveals Sri Lanka's game plan to dismiss Harry Brook during 3rd Test

Sri Lanka's interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya has revealed his side's game plan to dismiss Harry Brook and other England batters during the third Test between England and Sri Lanka at The Oval, London. Jayasuriya stated that frustrating Harry Brook was a part of Sri Lanka's plan.

Harry Brook was dismissed for 19 runs off 39 balls in the first innings of the match. But it was his mode of dismissal that garnered more attention. During the course of his innings, the talented right-handed struggled to find his timing which resulted in him getting frustrated.

Harry Brook, a naturally aggressive batter, failed to find the boundaries at regular intervals and struck just one four during his knock. It was not a typical innings from Harry Brook. He was already given out by the on-field umpire earlier after he slashed a drive at fast bowler Lahiru Kumara to be caught by the wicketkeeper Dinesh Chandimal.

But he reviewed it successfully to overturn the decision. Afterwards, he was dropped by the fast bowler Asitha Fernando on 12 for a simple catch when he tried to attack Milan Rathnayake. But luck ran out soon for Brook as he was finally dismissed while trying to smash a drive to Kamindu Mendis at short cover.

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Sanath Jayasuriya explains Sri Lanka's gameplan to dismiss Harry Brook

After the end of the day's play, Sanath Jayasuriya explained Sri Lanka's game plan which paid dividends. He added that Harry Brook was frustrated because the Sri Lankan bowlers bowled to a particular plan to him.

"He was frustrated, yes, because we bowled well, with the right line and length. We go through each and every batsmen, like they go through our batsmen. We know their very strong areas, and where we can keep them tight and frustrated," Sanath Jayasuriya said.

Jayasuriya further stated that Sri Lanka made use of England's attacking approach by bowling a tight line and length and inducing false shots, which led to the collapse.

"They love to play their shots. So we just thought of bowling a more tight line and length just outside your off stump. When you keep doing that in these conditions, when the ball is moving, it's not very easy," the legendary cricketer added.

Michael Vaughan advises Harry Brook to be "very careful"

Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan wasn't happy with England's batting and claimed they go towards the danger. While speaking on BBC, Vaughan advised Harry Brook to be very careful about his approach.

"England are ultra-aggressive," Vaughan said. "They go towards the danger. If the ball is swinging away they are not thinking about leaving it. That is their method," Vaughan said.

"Just be careful, Harry Brook. That is all I will say to him. He is a brilliant player. He is as good as I have seen. I am going towards Kevin Pietersen-style. He is an incredible player. But don't take the mick out of the game. Be very, very careful," he added.

Sri Lanka fight back with the bat

England were 261-3 at one stage and looked good for a big score on the board. But they lost 7 wickets for 64 runs in a dramatic collapse that resulted in them being all out for 325 runs in their first innings. Earlier, England's stand-in skipper Ollie Pope announced his return to form with a magnificent 154 off 156 balls.

In reply, Sri Lanka were in trouble at 93-5 but skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis came to the rescue. By the end of Day 2, both the batters had struck their half-centuries and looked set for big knocks.