'Need 2 wickets in first hour'

Even before the tea interval on the fourth day of the first Test yesterday it was a little surprising that Sri Lanka, with a lead of more than 400, were not declaring. Tea came and went and clouds to the north of the Galle International Stadium looked threatening, and with some rain forecast for the afternoon for the fifth day as well, it was thought that Sri Lanka were cutting it a little close if they wanted to go 1-0 up in the two-match series against Bangladesh.

The hosts eventually declared four overs after tea at the fall of Dilruwan Perera's wicket, setting Bangladesh a chase of 457 in around 125 overs, 11 of which were lost because of bad light causing an early close. Opener Upul Tharanga, who scored his second century against Bangladesh and third in Tests overall yesterday, said the weather was not on their minds when deciding upon the declaration.

“Our planning is not based on weather predictions. It could rain tomorrow [Saturday] as well. We have 98 overs and the first hour is going to be crucial. In that first hour if we can take two wickets, we can turn the game in our favour,” said Tharanga, who scored 115 off 171 deliveries in Sri Lanka's second innings of 274 for six declared.

Tharanga denied that memories of their seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan in Pallekele in 2015, when Younis Khan's unbeaten 171 authored a chase of 382, had a bearing on the decision to declare late.

“Not really. Our aim was to give them 125 overs. We thought about it. This Galle wicket this time has less turn. Even on Day Four there's not much turn which is unusual. Bowlers need some cover as well. When they [Bangladesh] have lots of runs they can be attacking.”

Although the wicket has not overtly helped the spinners so far, Tharanga noticed some encouraging signs. “We saw towards our latter part of the innings, there was some help for the spinners. I hope that will be the same when we bowl late tomorrow.”

A batsman who has batted up and down the order over his career, Tharanga said that he was happy to perform wherever he is needed. “Last two series I batted in the middle order. I was asked whether I liked to open before the series. I started as an opener and I didn't have any issues in saying yes. Last few years I batted in the middle order. Wherever I play I want to do a job for the team.”