July 28: Suraj Randiv was filling in some very big shoes. It was Sri Lanka’s first full day on the field post-Muttiah Muralitharan. The off-spinner took the mantle on his shoulders and came out unscathed.
“It’s not easy to replace Murali but the two spinners did a good job,” said Sachin Tendulkar. Compliments from the game’s most cherished batsman should have wiped away all tiredness for Randiv.
It was a marathon effort for Randiv who had to bowl two spells in excess of 10 overs each on Day Three of the second Test here on Tuesday. Randiv agreed he was edgy at the start. “As with most players, there was a bit of nervousness at the start. After all it’s my first match. But I got more confident as play got along.”
To grab Sehwag’s wicket was special for Randiv. “To dismiss a player of his calibre is great and a rare privilege as well. He was on 99 at that time. I thought he might go for a big shot. Our bowlers had not given him any easy runs at that stage. So I just thought I will try the doosra. I never thought he will be going for a big shot,” said Randiv.
Randiv noted there was bounce on the wicket and the contest was excellent. “We got three wickets but it is difficult to maintain a good line to Sachin consistently. He played the cut well and it was difficult to adapt. We need to work hard tomorrow,” he added.