Players not mentally down, we give them lot of confidence: Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandamby

Other than India and Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa are the other two nations who are in contention for the World Test Championship final berth. Both the teams need to win all of their remaining Tests to make it to the final on their own. But the Sri Lanka dealt with a hiccup in their journey as they were thumped by South Africa in the recently concluded first Test. 

The Proteas handed them a hefty 233-run loss at the Kingsmead in Durban. The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to commence from December 5 at the St George's Park in Gqeberha. Ahead of the crucial game, Sri Lanka’s batting coach Thilina Kandamby has stated the players are not mentally down and the comeback is around the corner.

"We have a very experienced unit, and they have been in situations like this before. We have given comebacks before as well. I don't think the players are mentally down. We give them lot of confidence. We started off in a similar fashion in England this year. We came from behind to win a game. We have identified that and we need to be at our best from day one," Kandamby said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

There is no point being too aggressive: Kandamby

Sri Lanka were pretty good with the ball in the first innings as they bowled out the hosts for just 191. In reply, there approach with the bat became a point of concern as the aggressive intent yielded no result and they were packed for a record low of 42 in the first innings. Kandamby addressed the issue and said there is no need for a similar aggressive approach in the second Test.

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"We had a chat, and the key here is to see off the new ball. There is no point being too aggressive, but we do have to put the loose balls away. Once we get past the first hour, it gets a lot easier," he added.