Rawalpindi: Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis has expressed confidence in his team's batting and bowling resources ahead of the opening Test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, saying his players have the experience to adapt to the conditions.
Speaking before the first match of the two Test series, Mendis said Sri Lanka had a balanced squad and a clear approach to the contest after spending more than a month in Pakistan. His comments came amid questions about the possibility of a green pitch in Rawalpindi, which could offer assistance to fast bowlers and test the visiting batting line up.
Mendis, however, maintained that Sri Lanka's senior players were capable of handling such conditions, citing Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva among the experienced batters available to the team.
Sri Lanka prepared for conditions in Rawalpindi
Addressing concerns about the pitch, Mendis said the responsibility would be on individual batters to adjust their techniques and preparation according to the playing surface. He pointed to Sri Lanka's previous performances in England as evidence that the team had experience of batting in conditions favourable to seam bowling.
The captain said he had confidence in the batting unit, which includes several players with experience in Test cricket and overseas tours. Rawalpindi's pitch conditions could influence team selection and the balance between pace and spin bowling, although the final playing surface will determine how both sides approach the match.
For Sri Lanka, adapting to the conditions will be important as the team begins a series away from home against Pakistan.
Bowling attack offers options
Mendis also backed Sri Lanka's bowling department, referring to the performances of the team's fast bowlers during recent international tours. He said the squad contained bowlers who had played substantial first class and international cricket, providing the experience needed for Test matches outside Sri Lanka.
The captain described the team's batting and bowling resources as balanced and said the players were prepared for the opening match. Test cricket places different demands on bowling attacks compared with limited overs formats, particularly in maintaining pressure across extended spells and adapting to changes in pitch conditions.
Sri Lanka's ability to use its bowling resources effectively could be significant in a series where conditions may differ from those commonly encountered at home.
Extended stay in Pakistan
The Sri Lankan squad has been in Pakistan for more than a month, an experience Mendis acknowledged had presented challenges beyond cricket. He said the players had spent much of their time moving between hotels and training sessions, with limited opportunities for activities outside the team's routine.
According to the captain, the squad had managed the extended stay through recreational activities, team games and occasional outings. Despite the restrictions associated with a lengthy overseas tour, Mendis said the players remained focused on the Test series.
He also praised the Pakistan Cricket Board for the arrangements made during the team's visit, particularly regarding security and accommodation.The captain said the players were comfortable in Pakistan and noted similarities between Pakistani and Sri Lankan food.
Mendis welcomes Test captaincy
Mendis also spoke about the responsibility of leading Sri Lanka in the longest format, describing Test cricket as a different challenge from one day internationals and Twenty20 matches. He said he was pleased to captain the side in Test cricket, where players must maintain concentration and adjust their approach over several days.
The upcoming series will provide another assessment of Sri Lanka's ability to compete in overseas conditions. For Pakistan, the opening match presents an opportunity to make use of home conditions against a visiting side that believes its experience can help it respond to different pitch characteristics.
Mendis said Sri Lanka had prepared a plan for the match and would concentrate on executing it once play began. The opening Test will offer the first indication of how the two teams' batting and bowling combinations perform under the conditions at Rawalpindi.
