Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

SL didn't pay attention to controlling the run rate, says spin-bowling coach Howard

Written by 
Published in Cricket
Thursday, 19 September 2024 11:16
Sri Lanka have not played a Test in Galle in over a year, while one of their main spinners has not played long-format cricket for many months. Could this be why Sri Lanka's slow bowlers were inaccurate on day two of their Test against New Zealand?
Spin bowling coach Craig Howard wasn't exactly trying to absolve the Sri Lanka spinners, but did suggest they needed a bit of time to get back into the groove in Galle. Still, they could have done better than they did, he said.

"If we'd bowled the way we'd have liked to, we'd be in a much better position," Howard said. "If we were able to hold our line and length for longer, it would have been much more difficult for the New Zealand batters to rotate the strike the way they did, and we'd have limited the boundary balls as well. We pay heavy attention to controlling the run rate, and we didn't do that today."

On a Galle track taking plenty of turn, Sri Lanka's primary spinners - Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya - took just a wicket apiece on Thursday. Jayasuriya gave away 99, in his 31 overs.

"Prabath was fractionally off. He's a very proud man," Howard said. "You average 22 at Galle for a reason, so I'm sure he'll come back, and I'm sure he'll have a major impact on this Test."

Ramesh was more expensive than Jayasuriya, however, going at an economy rate of more than four in his 17 overs. Where Jayasuriya had played in two of Sri Lanka's three Tests in England, Ramesh had been on the sidelines throughout.

"Ramesh Mendis hasn't played a red-ball game for probably a few months now," Howard said. "He's been on an England tour not playing, and the LPL (Lanka Premier League) prior to that. He was probably a fraction off from a length-and-line point of view."

The New Zealand batters' shot-making did present a challenge, Howard said. But he had confidence that if Sri Lanka's spinners bowled accurately, the match could turn in their favour.

"Control of line and length is the first thing. If we do that there's enough in this wicket. The game can speed up very quick in the back end. We could be on or two wickets away from having a first-innings lead. Ideally we can go through them in a hurry and end up with a lead, but if not have a small target to catch up."

Read 90 times

Soccer

Hojlund, Garnacho lead United rout of Leicester

Hojlund, Garnacho lead United rout of Leicester

Manchester United's Rasmus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho ended goal droughts and Bruno Fernandes sc...

Howe amazed as Newcastle 'legends' end drought

Howe amazed as Newcastle 'legends' end drought

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNewcastle United manager Eddie Howe challenged his players to win m...

Slot: 'Hunger' not the issue in Liverpool cup loss

Slot: 'Hunger' not the issue in Liverpool cup loss

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLiverpool head coach Arne Slot dismissed the idea Newcastle United'...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games

Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Paolo Banchero scored 24 points, Franz Wagner added 22...

Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

Kerr passes Attles as Warriors' winningest coach

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN FRANCISCO -- One game after Stephen Curry reached 4,000 3-point...

Baseball

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

Valdez gets 4th straight Astros Opening Day start

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLeft-hander Framber Valdez was named the Houston Astros' Opening Da...

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

Twins' Lewis leaves game with hamstring injury

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis left...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated