The three-match Test series between India and Sri Lanka has been squared and the two teams will battle it out for the final Test to clinch the series. One would believe that India are looking far more confident to take the game away from the Lankans as they have struggled against the spinners right from the start of the series.
Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya felt the same ahead of the third Test, which will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo from Friday.
"We think we are good at playing spin but we are not. We have struggled against quality spinners. Both the sides have quality spinners. R Ashwin and Rangana Herath are really good. Tharindu Kaushal for Sri Lanka and Amit Mishra for India, too, are bowling really well. I think the Sri Lankans have struggled against spin more than the Indians. Probably, it could be overconfidence. Ravichandran Ashwin really bowled well. That he is developing into a good bowler is proved by his record. He knows his strengths and bowls to his field and is more consistent. He also bowled in the right areas. He is also improving," Jayasuriya told reporters.
Sri Lanka struggled against Yasir Shah throughout Pakistan's tour of the Island. Shah picked up 24 wickets in three Test matches and now Ashwin has managed to pick up 17 wickets in two Test matches with an astonishing average of just above 16.
Jayasuriya also felt that Virat Kohli should be given some more time to settle down with his style of captaincy. "You got to have experienced men to help you out like the coach and the management. So, sometimes you go in five bowlers, sometimes with four, depending on the conditions. There are lot of permutations and combinations you can go in with, but only when you settle down as a player," Jayasuriya said.
