Ravi Shastri lauds Kusal Perera's sensational knock against Sri Lanka; calls Vishwa Fernando a fighter

Kusal Perera played one of the greatest knocks in Test cricket against South Africa at the Kingsmead in Durban and scripted one of the memorable wins for Sri Lanka. He took Vishwa Fernando by his side and stitched an unbeaten and historic last-wicket partnership of 78 runs and helped his team his take the unlikeliest of leads in the two-match Test series.

Perera himself remained unbeaten on 153 and soon after hitting the winning shot, soaked in all the applause. It was a surreal feeling for him and for a man who had rejected an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract last year to make a comeback in Tests. This victory could also be a new start for the Islanders who were hammered by New Zealand and Australia recently.

Like everyone, India’s head coach Ravi Shastri was also in awe of Kusal Perera for the way he batted during the whole Test match.

Greatest ever innings

Shastri, in his tweet dedicated to Perera, termed the innings as one of the greatest ever in the longest format of the game. While he loved the way the left-handed batted understanding the situation, Shastri didn’t undermine the contribution from Vishwa Fernando by any means. He called Sri Lanka’s number 11 a fighter and it was due to his support that Perera could script history.

Vishwa faced the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier and Dale Steyn bravely and though his defence looked ugly, it worked on the day for the newbie. “Kusal Perera. You beauty. You did it single-handedly with a fighter in a number 11. Sri Lanka. You’ve watched one of the greatest innings ever played #Cricket,” Shastri’s tweet read.

As far as the Test series between Sri Lanka and South Africa is concerned, the visitors have a great chance to win their first ever series in the country. The second and final Test will be played in Port Elizabeth from February 21.

Here’s Shastri’s tweet:

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