Williamson-Taylor partnership deprived us from taking wickets - Herath

Ranjan Anandappa

Rangana Herath, the Sri Lankan left arm leg spinner who has been among the wickets taking 6 for 103 in the first innings against New Zealand in the on going second Test, said the first hour in the third day will be crucial for Sri Lanka when they resume batting today.

He said that the Test is similar to the Galle Test where the New Zealand fast bowlers bowled well and he hoped that the batsmen will be more causes while batting. "In any game, players are bound to make mistakes, but it is always better to think of the remedies rather than punning on the mistakes. I think Angelo and Paranavithana know exactly what they are doing," He said.

He further said that Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor's partnership deprived Sri Lanka of taking wickets, but once they got out the batting was not menacing as it was when the partnership was in progress. He said that it was a special week for him with the spinners, Ojah, Panesar and myself among the wickets may be right arm or left you need some patience to succeed.

"We bowl as one unit with the support of the other bowlers. We support the bowler who ever takes wickets and Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekera and Shaminda Eranda supported me well," said Herath.

When asked as to why he changed ends despite of taking Taylors wicket, Herath said that skipper Mahela asked him the end which he was comfortable while bowling and he selected the end which he thought there was more spin. He further said that all the batsmen knew their capabilities and he had not thought of a follow on. We hope to even go beyond the 400 run mark.