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A top-edged sweep from Sikandar Raza evades slip Pic – ESPNCricInfo

A word from Zimbabwe’s batting coach Lance Klusener fired up the tourists after a poor start to their second innings in the one-off Test against Sri Lanka, Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe’s hero yesterday told journalists after the day’s play.

Zimbabwe slumped to 23 for four on day three at lunch and with the chips down, the former South African all-rounder inspired the fight back, Raza, who posted his maiden Test hundred said.

“The heads were down for a little while during that lunch break when having lost four wickets for not many. Lance Klusener then told us that it’s up to us the guys who were still to bat, whether we go down without a fight, or we show some heart,” Raza, who made a fine 127 batting for more than five and half hours, said.

“The plans come from us. We discuss and share our plans with Klusener and then he has his input. Of course he has a world of experience. If I have a plan which I think is too risky, Klusener will always advise me and say you could have a better plan – do XYZ. It’s quite a nice relationship all the batters have got with our batting coach,” revealed Raza.

Lance Klusener

Zimbabwe recovered from 23 for four to post 377 all out in their second innings setting Sri Lanka a stiff target of 388 runs to win. No team has chased that many in Sri Lanka successfully to win a Test match.

“It’s quite humbling to get my first hundred under these circumstances. It is pretty satisfying. What’s more satisfying is that we were in a bit of a hole, and everyone starting from the partnership that we had with PJ Moor, and then on to Waller, and then to Cremer, were all excellent. To be 388 ahead, going into the last day against Sri Lanka, in Sri Lanka, is a pretty good effort. It’s an effort that we’re confident that the result can go our way as well,” Raza further said.

Zimbabwe have never won a Test match against Sri Lanka and are on the verge of creating history after reducing Sri Lanka to 170 for three.

“I think patience and discipline will play a huge role. If we can stay disciplined and patient, there is enough for Sean Williams and Graeme Cremer and the other spinners as well. You could get a Jaffa that you can’t do much about. I think on a track like this, once you get the senior players out, with their batting at the moment, could open a door for us to sneak through,” Raza pointed out.

Zimbabwe are playing their first Test match in 2017 and the first Test away from home since 2014. They have already created history by winning their first ever ODI series against Sri Lanka.

“I personally think that Zimbabwe cricket is going forward,” he noted.

“We’ve been playing some decent cricket. Sometimes results don’t go your way. In my opinion, as long as you’re doing the right thing, working hard, and being positive, results will fall into place. We’re all proud of how we have played, how we have represented our country. We’ll give it another fight tomorrow, and try and win the Test match.” — Cricbuzz.