Early wickets could bring a result says Bayliss

Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss stressed the importance of taking early wickets when the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan resumes at the National Stadium in Karachi today.

Pakistan finished the day on 296 for 3 in reply to Sri Lanka’s record breaking first innings total of 644 for 7 and still require 149 runs to avoid the follow on.

Bayliss pointed out that this was a pleasing effort from the Sri Lankan team considering the fact that the Karachi wicket is flat and full of runs for the batsmen. But still he felt that the situation would have been in favour of Sri Lanka had they held on to the half chances on the field.

Bayliss was quite impressive with the performance of Ajantha Mendis who bowled a marathon spell of 35 overs to return figures of one wicket for 78. Bayliss believes that Mendis has again gained his confidence after a pretty ordinary series against India at home.

“I thought he bowled pretty well after a tough series against India. I think he has learnt from those mistakes. His line and length in this match have been much better than it was in the last month or two”

The Sri Lankan coach added that they will need to pick up some early wickets today in an attempt to force a result and otherwise the match is heading for a high scoring draw. Bayliss also praised the batting effort of Pakistan captain Younis Khan who remained unbeaten on 149 at the end.