Sangakkara backs Mr Angry Dilshan

Dilshan and Tait were locked in war of words during the abandoned match.

PALLEKELE:

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara told Tillakaratne Dilshan to stay angry despite the opener losing out to Australian fast-bowler Shaun Tait in a war of words.

Dilshan and Tait were locked in a furious exchange when the Sri Lankan star edged through the slips for a boundary at the start of Saturday’s abandoned match. He then pulled away from the crease just as Tait went into his delivery stride, before the speedster had his man next ball, courtesy of a slip catch.

“Dilshan has been our best performer. We just want him to be focused and keep his aggression,” said Sangakkara.

“I think batsmen go through certain phases. The most important thing is to maintain equilibrium.”

Dockrell’s dream come true

Ireland teenager George Dockrell said it had been a “dream come true” for him to dismiss Sachin Tendulkar after the underdogs gave India a fright. Dockrell had batting great Tendulkar lbw for 38 and later dismissed India captain MS Dhoni.

“I’m a big fan of Tendulkar. Getting him out was a dream come true,” said Dockrell.

Meanwhile, Dhoni sympathised with the fans who were baton-charged by police as they queued for tickets to see India’s clash with South Africa.

“Police take the action when  it is needed,” said Dhoni.

“But of course everybody feels bad when the fans get beaten up.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 9^th, 2011.