West Indies all-rounder Roston Chase described the day one surface at Galle International Stadium as batting friendly, after Sri Lanka ended in a strong position on 267-3 in 88 overs. The Sri Lankans, who won the toss, capitalised on the loose balls and dropped chances, and rode on the back of their captain’s century.
“I think the pitch is a good batting pitch, pretty batting friendly. Not much there for the fast bowlers, ball was spinning early on with a bit of moisture the wicket had, but after lunch the pitch flattened out,” Chase said.
“We need to be patient, because it is a good batting track and it will take a little more time to get the batsmen’s wicket, so we have to be disciplined with our line and lengths, back it up in the field and give a good effort because it is not an easy job, so patience is key.”
Roston Chase takes a knee before the match bowled off
“It is the first day of the Test match but if there is a result it can swing in our favour,” Chase said after the opening day of the first Test.
For West Indies, fast bowler Shannon Gabriel was expensive, going at an economy rate of 4.7, leaking 56 runs in 12 overs and claiming one wicket. Jason Holder was perhaps the best bowler, but went wicket-less. He had 0-15 in 14 overs at a top economy rate of 1.1. Rahkeem Cornwall also struggled, but created an early chance that was spilled. He had figures of 0-64 in 20 overs while Jomel Warrican, who bowled no-balls, had -60 in 18 overs. Chase had 2-42 in 17 overs, giving the West Indies something to smile about.
West Indies had left Veerasammy Permaul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Shai Hope out of the starting XI. (Brandon Corlette)
