SL Coach Craig Howard Reflects on Bowling Struggles in Galle Test

Sri Lanka’s Spin Coach Craig Howard Addresses Spinners’ Inaccuracy in Galle Test Against New Zealand

Sri Lanka’s bowling performance in Galle faced challenges on day two of the 1st Test against New Zealand, with the visiting batters successfully rotating the strike and putting up runs. 

Spin bowling coach Craig Howard pointed out that Sri Lanka’s spinners did not bowl with the precision needed, allowing New Zealand to gain the upper hand.

Spinners Struggle with Line and Length

Howard suggested that Sri Lanka’s long gap from Test cricket in Galle, along with the spinners’ absence from red-ball cricket, contributed to the struggles. 

Ramesh Mendis, playing his first Test in over a year, and Prabath Jayasuriya, who had played in Sri Lanka’s tour of England, both failed to control the run rate effectively. 

Mendis went for an economy rate over four in his 17 overs, while Jayasuriya, though marginally better, conceded 99 runs in his 31 overs.

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“If we’d bowled the way we’d have liked to, we’d be in a much better position,” Howard stated, explaining that maintaining consistent line and length could have restricted New Zealand’s scoring opportunities. 

He emphasised that while the team focuses heavily on controlling the run rate, they didn’t succeed in this aspect.

Room for Recovery in Galle’s Turning Track

Despite the struggles, Howard expressed confidence in a potential comeback. He acknowledged that the spinners, particularly Jayasuriya, who averages 22 in Galle, could regain form in the match. 

He also mentioned that Ramesh’s lack of recent red-ball cricket may have affected his rhythm.

Howard noted that the spinners’ ability to hold accurate lines could turn the game around quickly in the latter stages.

With New Zealand maintaining an advantage, Sri Lanka will look to tighten their bowling and capitalise on Galle’s turning conditions in the upcoming days of play.

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