Former Test cricketer Simon Katich believes the Sri Lankan finger spinners bowled too slowly during the first innings in Galle, arguing their lack of pace allowed Australia’s batters to use their feet.

The average speeds of Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris during Australia’s first innings were 80.8 km/h and 83.4 km/h, respectively, which were considerably slower than Nathan Lyon (89.7 km/h) and Matthew Kuhnemann (89.1 km/h) in the series opener.

“I was surprised by the slower pace of the Sri Lankan spinners,” Katich said in commentary.

“That’s what allowed the Australian batters to use their feet, that slower pace. You can get down the wicket at that pace, whereas the quicker pace of the Australians has made it that little bit more difficult for the Sri Lankan batsmen to use their feet.”

However, Katich pointed out that other factors – including fatigue and the pitch’s deterioration – contributed to the team’s varying success in Galle.

“The bowling’s always going to look more threatening because they’re fresher and the conditions,” Katich continued.

“There’s a little bit more assistance than there was on day one.” 

(Source: Fox Sports)