Hosts expect Galle time vs England

Sri Lanka’s impressive history of Test victories in the southern coastal town of Galle gives the hosts an edge here going into tomorrow...

Sri Lanka’s impressive history of Test victories in the southern coastal town of Galle gives the hosts an edge here going into tomorrow’s series opener against England, whose skipper Michael Vaughan must seek inspiration from his team’s comeback two years ago. With prodigious spinner Muttiah Muralitharan dominating the spin-inclined track at the Galle stadium – barely a stone’s throw from the Indian Ocean – Sri Lanka has repeatedly turned the traditional series opener here into a celebration, including an innings victory against Nasser Hussain’s England team in 2001.

Sri Lanka has won six out of eight Tests in Galle since it became a Test venue in 1998.

However, Hussain’s side won the next two Tests of that tour – in Kandy and Colombo – to inflict a rare home series defeat on Sri Lanka – which captain Hashan Tillekeratne has vowed to avenge.

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After their maiden encounter in the 1981-82 season, Tests between England and Sri Lanka were confined to one-off matches for two decades until Hussain’s side toured the island for three Tests in 2001. England won the series 2-1 and then prevailed 1-0 when Sri Lanka played a return series last year.

‘‘But things will be different this time,’’ Tillekeratne said. ‘‘Look back at those two series. England did not win because it played good cricket, but due to the mistakes we made. We just handed the series to them on a platter. It’s crucial that we win this time. Playing in Sri Lanka, our fans won’t accept anything less,’’ he said.

‘‘We have the advantage of playing at home. The Galle pitch suits the spinners, and it’s been Sri Lanka’s happy hunting ground,’’ Tillekeratne added.

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