By: Tarish Bhatt
Team India was given a reality check in the 1st Test, when Sri Lanka stunned them to take the initiative in the three-match series. The scenario is such, India need to win the 2nd Test to keep themselves in run of winning the series.
Going by India’s surrender in the second innings of the 1st Test, Sri Lanka would be heading into the 2nd Test confidently. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli’s team need to find its footing to level the series.
Amit Mishra, who made an impression in the 1st Test, insisted Team India would be putting its best foot forward in the 2nd Test and building up for the game positively.
“We will be putting in double the effort in this match, and we have noted our shortcomings, and will perform diligently,” Amit Mishra said.
“We are playing Test matches after a long time, which is why we made a few mistakes,” he added. “But, we are positive about the next match. Our team morale is very high.”
India’s batting was under scrutiny after they failed to find answers of Rangana Herath in the second innings of the 1st Test, but Amit Mishra feels Indian batsmen can play spin quite well.
“I believe that the batsmen of our team are one of the best,” Amit Mishra said. “They can play any ball; you must have seen that in the past.”
“Sometimes what happens is that under pressure we lose a wicket or two, but our batsmen can play spin very well, We all make mistakes, but that does not set a benchmark.”
The leg-spinner, who was making a comeback into the Indian team after two years, impressed with his performance, but added he was a touch “anxious”.
“No doubt, I was anxious,” Amit Mishra said. “I am playing after a couple of years. So, yes, I was under pressure, but I was confident as I had worked very hard for it.”
“Moreover, I have played with all these players in the past, so I was comfortable,” he added. “All the players, including Virat Kohli, boosted my confidence too.”
