Friday, November 20, 2009

Indian batsmen need to score heavily, says Kirsten

AHMEDABAD, Nov 19: India coach Gary Kirsten has urged his batsmen to come up with “something special” to save the first test against Sri Lanka.

The hosts are faced with an uphill task on the final day on Friday after Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene (275) and Prasanna Jayawardene (154 not out) extended their sixth wicket stand to a world record 351 on Thursday.

The tourists, aiming to win their first test on Indian soil in 27 years, declared their first innings at 760 for seven for a first innings lead of 334.

India closed day four at 190 for two, still 144 runs behind with eight wickets in hand. Opener Gautam Gambhir led India’s fightback with an unbeaten 74.

“To be honest so far it has turned to be a fantastic batting wicket,” the former South Africa opener said.

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