Partnerships key for looming chase - Amla

Standard Bank Proteas batsman, Hashim Amla, says partnerships will be crucial ahead of a high fourth innings chase in the first Test match against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. The home side holds a strong lead of 272 runs with six wickets remaining, after a dominant performance with the ball led by off-spinner Dilruwan Perera (4/46) on day two. Amla says the batsmen will have to look to play with more ‘intent’ to counter Sri Lanka’s spin threat in their second innings, after the poor first innings performance of 126 all out. All of the batsmen in the top six are capable of playing long attritional knocks, which is the only way for a positive result with three days left in the match. The wristy right-hander, who is one of the most successful players of spin in the current squad, believes the key to success against Sri Lanka’s spin wizards is a game plan of solid defence and positive scoring options. He expects conditions to deteriorate as the match progresses but remains hopeful the batsmen will have learnt from the errors in the first innings.