‘Face the ball without facing the bowler’: Sooriyabandara unfazed by India’s attack after comeback knock Sri Lanka batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara showcased resilience and composure in a gritty innings of 80 against India during the second Test in Colombo, marking a significant turnaround after a disappointing golden duck in the series opener. The 26-year-old, making only his second Test appearance, credited his hard work in the nets and behind-the-scenes preparation for his recovery from the early setback. His performance came on a pitch increasingly favoring spinners, forcing Sri Lanka’s batters to rely on patience and technique against India’s experienced attack. Sooriyabandara’s innings carried added weight given his journey to the international stage. After years of playing in Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit, he finally earned a Test call-up at 26, a milestone he described as both an honor and a reward for his perseverance. Reflecting on the contrast between his performances in the first and second matches, he emphasized the role of focused practice in his improvement. “I think what worked well is I have been batting so much in the practice in the past couple of days and working really hard for it,” he said, highlighting his dedication to refining his skills. Facing India’s formidable bowling attack, which included seasoned international bowlers, Sooriyabandara stressed the importance of focusing on the ball rather than the bowler’s reputation. “You can’t always keep the names in your mind and play. You have to play the ball,” he explained, underscoring his approach to batting. The conditions, with the pitch offering assistance to spinners, presented a challenge, but Sooriyabandara adapted by staying patient and capitalizing on the turning ball.#india #sri_lanka #colombo #pasindu_sooriyabandara #second_test
