Kumar surprised at Pakistan’s decision to field first

CHRIS DHAMBARAGE reporting from Pakistan

Vice captain Kumar Sangakkara was surprised with Pakistan’s decision to field first after Sri Lanka had piled up a formidable 317 for 4 in their first innings on the opening day of the second cricket Test which commenced at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore yesterday.

The elegant left hander scored his 18th test hundred and also put on a double century stand for the fourth wicket along with middle order batsman Thilan Samaraweera who was unbeaten on 133 at stumps.

Sangakkara said that they would have anyway batted first had they won the toss although there was some movement for the fast bowlers during the initial stages.

He stressed the fact that as they were fielding only two fast bowlers their tactics are to pile up a big score and then apply the pressure through the spinners. In fact Sangakkara predicted that there will be a great amount of turn for the two spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis unlike during the opening test match which ended in a high scoring draw at the National Stadium in Karachi.

Sangakkara said that the Gaddafi Stadium track is a very good wicket with equal chances for both the batsmen and the bowlers. He added that this is a sporting wicket where there will be some pace and bounce for the bowlers if they bend their back and a good one for the batsmen as well who could stay for a long period.

Lahore, Sunday