By IANS,
Galle : Virender Sehwag’s explosive century was the lone bright spot on a day when the famed middle-order failed to capitalise on the solid opening start in the second cricket Test against Sri Lanka. The Indian opener says they are now eyeing a total anywhere between 350-400 to be in the safe zone.
Sehwag’s innings (128 not out) ably supported by Gautam Gambhir (56) led India to record the highest score in Galle in the opening session of a Test.
Gambhir’s departure began the rot when India lost four wickets in the space of 19 balls to hand over the early advantage. Sehwag, though, remained firm at one end.
“It was important to give a good start and hopefully we’ll carry on. We will have a team meeting and discuss how we go from here on. I feel a total of 350-400 will be a good one on this wicket,” he said.
“We were in a strong position and then lost a few quick wickets. That can happen in Test cricket. Those were good balls that they got out to and you can’t blame anyone,” he added.
Sehwag’s batting exploits earned him praise from Sri Lankan coach Trevor Bayliss.
“There’s not a lot between success and failure. He tried to play that way in the first Test and it didn’t come off, but today was totally different. He’s a good player and you don’t average over 50 if you aren’t a good player,” Bayliss said.
“We need to take their remaining six wickets as quickly as possible and then get something more than they managed and it’s going to be an interesting encounter,” he added.