Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Kirsten urges Sri Lanka to seize early Test momentum
Sri Lanka is playing India in a Test cricket match.
India finished the first day with 300 runs and five players out.
Sri Lanka’s coach, Gary Kirsten, wants his bowlers to take wickets early on the second day.
He also wants Sri Lanka’s batters to build a strong partnership.
Kirsten praised Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara for bowling very well.
He thinks the pitch is easy to bat on right now.
He expects it may offer more spin as the match continues.
Sri Lanka also has three young batters who have a chance to show their skills.
Sri Lanka coach Gary Kirsten said his team must take early wickets in the second Test’s first session.
India ended the opening day at 300/5 after momentum shifted between the teams.
Kirsten praised seamers Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara for bowling with high intensity.
He said Sri Lanka needs a strong batting partnership after making early breakthroughs.
Kirsten expects the match to be hard-fought, with the pitch potentially offering more turn later.
- Who
- Sri Lanka and India, with Gary Kirsten coaching Sri Lanka.
- What
- Sri Lanka is seeking early wickets and a strong batting partnership in the second Test.
- When
- Before the start of the second day, after India ended day one at 300/5.
- Where
- Colombo.
- Why
- Kirsten believes Sri Lanka must gain an early advantage before the pitch becomes more receptive to turn.
- Match situation
- India closed the opening day at 300/5.
- Sri Lanka coach
- Gary Kirsten
- Key Sri Lankan bowlers
- Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara
- Immediate target
- Take wickets early in the second day’s first session.
- Batting target
- Build a decent partnership after taking early wickets.
- Pitch outlook
- The wicket was described as docile but may offer more turn later.
- Sri Lankan squad
- Kirsten said three young batters are in the team’s top six.