Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten has acknowledged the team's struggle to adapt to Test cricket following a 165-run loss to India in Galle, citing limited match exposure as a key challenge.
Sri Lanka's Test cricket woes continued as they fell to India by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle, extending their winless streak under head coach Gary Kirsten. The home side was dismissed for 206 while pursuing 372 runs in the final innings, with India's young spinner Manav Suthar proving decisive by claiming six wickets for 55 runs and finishing with 10 match wickets.
Kirsten attributed the team's difficulties to the infrequency of Test cricket in their schedule, making it challenging for players to develop the skills and mindset required for the format. "It's sometimes tough when you don't play much Test cricket to understand how you need to play," the former South African batter remarked after the match. Sri Lanka have now lost two of their three Tests under Kirsten's tenure, with their only other recent loss coming against the West Indies in Antigua in June.
Despite the disappointing result, Kirsten remained optimistic about the team's trajectory and identified specific areas for improvement. He emphasized that Sri Lanka must develop a well-rounded bowling attack capable of consistently taking 20 wickets across both pace and spin disciplines to remain competitive in the Test arena. The coach expressed encouragement over a forthcoming busier Test schedule, with six matches planned over the next six months, which he believes will provide valuable opportunity for players to gain experience and understand the demands of extended innings and sustained performance over longer periods.
