Dilshan hopeful of playing opening Test

Mumbai: The Sri Lankan team were visibly disappointed as they were deprived of some valuable match practice for the second day in succession, thanks to unexpected rains.

Though the main wicket was fit for play during the latter half of the day, the umpires decided to call off the second day’s proceedings as the side-pitches were still soggy.

However, the Lankan camp had something to cheer about, as Tillakaratne Dilshan showed encouraging signs of recovery from his ankle injury. In fact, he even had a light batting practice and the Lankan team manager Brendon Kuruppu said he is expected to play the first Test, starting from November 16.

Even though the rains forced the Lankan players to stay indoors, they utilized the MCA centre’s excellent indoor facilities to sharpen their cricketing skills.

Though the visiting team is curious to go out in the middle and get a feel of the Indian conditions, they didn’t appear too keen on converting the three-day practice game against Board President XI into a one-dayer after losing the first two days to rain. The team management doesn’t want the players to go into the Test series with an ODI mindset.

As per the news trickling in from the Lankan camp, the team might leave for Ahmedabad a day earlier and try to get some practice at the Motera stadium, where the first Test will be played.