Prabath Jayasuriya (C) celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Ireland's James McCollum (2R) during the first day of the second and final cricket Test match between Sri Lanka and Ireland at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on 24 April 2023 – AFP  

Sri Lanka’s spin bowling coach Piyal Wijetunge said that the team didn’t plan out strategies according to how the Galle wicket behaved and that allowed Ireland to make a good first day total of 319-4.

“We had to build up pressure by bowling one side of the wicket and bowling as many dot balls. But when there are runs leaking from one end you cannot build up pressure from the other end,” said Wijetunge at the end of play.

“We couldn’t play the way we wanted, and we didn’t bowl to the quality we have, other than that I could not see any difference in the Ireland batting.”

Ireland Captain Andy Balbirnie said he had no regrets missing out on a maiden Test hundred because his team had a great first day. “To be honest not really because we had such a great day. I am not too bothered about it. It would have been nice if I had got it. I felt pretty good with my game today and felt I helped the team which is important. I had a couple of Tests which I felt I hadn’t done. As captain you want to lead from the front but at the end of play, I am happy as a player.”

Balbirnie said that Paul Sterling who scored a 75 before retiring hurt with cramps gave an impetus to the rest of the team. “When Paul was hitting (Prabath) Jayasuriya for sixes we hadn’t seen that happen last week, it was kind of a clear mind. We probably needed someone to come into the group and play the way he plays.” Balbirnie said the first hour and session today was really important. “We want to capitalise on the start we got today, we know they will come back at us.” (ST)

Sri Lanka at the receiving end as Ireland batting displays grit