Daijiworld Media Network
Colombo, Jul 3: Welcome to day 4 of the second Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan from the SSC. Rain washed out the remainder of the day and one hopes that the rain stays away today. Currently, the conditions are a bit cloudy.
The Pakistani bowlers bowled well at the start before Dilshan and Sangakkara strung a decent partnership. However, rain played spoilsport for the remainder of the day and play was called off early.
The umpires are out inspecting the conditions. They are not happy with the outfield conditions as there are some soggy conditions. The start could be delayed.
Pitch Report: The weather looks good currently but there is rain on the horizon. Russell Arnold reckons that both teams have to go for it. The pitch is dry but the rain has caused some patches on the surface. The outfield will be soggy.
Junaid Khan: I am the first person from the region of Swabi. I have got a tremendous response from the people in the area. I started out with tape ball and I gradually developed into a swing bowler. Swabi has just one first-class ground and I used to practice a lot. I was inspired by Wasim Akram. Fitness issues plagued Wasim, Waqar and Aaqib at the start. It was my bad luck. I had not settled into a good rhythm at Galle but I am happy with my performance.
Dilshan: I try to attack every delivery. If I bat out 5-6 overs in the start, then I am confident of getting a big score. The pitch is very good to bat on. Pakistan have good spinners. Sangakkara is a calming influence and we hope to capitalize on this partnership. If the ball is in the right area, I am going to go for it.
09:35 AM local: The start has been delayed and there is an ominous cloud cover. The start is stated to take place at 10:15 AM and a total of 98 overs.
Update 10:00 AM IST: The sun is finally breaking through at the SSC. This definitely brightens the prospect of a 10:15 AM start.