Pitch drier than expected: Samaraweera

Colombo:

Sri Lankan batsman Thilan Samaraweera expects the wicket to take spin from the third day as it was drier than expected and said his side would look to pile up runs on Day 2 to press for a win in the second cricket Test against India here.

Samaraweera, who was unbeaten on 65 in Sri Lanka's 293 for four at stumps on first day, said the P Sara Oval pitch was drier than before and more spin-friendly than normally expected.

"The pitch has much less moisture than expected. So it is much drier and it will start spinning after Day Two. So we have to score runs tomorrow and we are in a good position now," said Samaraweera, who averages above 50 in the 60 Tests he has played so far.

He said the pitch was not easy to bat on but felt his side's batsmen had done well on the opening day.

"The pitch was not easy to bat on and some balls from fast bowlers were stopping before reaching the bat. So it was not easy to play shots straightaway, you need to settle down. But we had done well so far," he said.

Asked if he was looking for a century tomorrow, Samaraweera said, "I will take an ice bath an think over. I have been doing well in the series. I would be happy if I score big tomorrow."

Samaraweera was unbeaten on 76 and 10 in the second Test while he was out for a duck in the first.