Galle, July 20: Rangana Herath was understandably happy with his batting effort, his unbeaten 80 (93 balls, 10x4, 1x6) having helped Sri Lanka to a good position.
“I am elated with my batting because this is my highest score in first-class cricket, I was pleased with the way I made those runs. I did not think of a hundred at any stage. I just wanted to be in the middle and contribute,” said Herath who added that the effort of the coaching staff on his batting was bearing results.
The century stand for the eighth wicket with Lasith Malinga was a new venue record for Sri Lanka against India, though there was no plan as such, according to Herath. “We did not have any idea about who will go after the bowling. We just decided to bat on for as long as we could. We were thinking in terms of adding 10 to 15 runs, nothing else when we started. Good it turned out to be a big partnership in the end.”
After struggling initially Herath played some attacking shots including a stunning straight hit off A. Mithun. But batting was not easy, said Herath. “It was hard for the first 10-15 overs but after that I realised it was a bit easier to score. There was turn and bounce. Once Murali came in he said he will hang on if I can get the hundred.”
On the state of the game, Hearth noted that the hosts were on top. “We are on top now without doubt. If we can get two or three early wickets tomorrow, it will set up the game for us.
“I still see a result in this game. Virender Sehwag is the dangerman. If we can get him out early, it would be good for us. Laxman has also batted well. We have been bowling well and all it would take is one mistake,” explained the left-arm spinner.