1st Test: Australia v Sri Lanka at Brisbane, Nov 8-12, 2007 - Day 1

Defensive tactics by Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans won the toss but lost its advantage when they decided to bowl first. By batting first they would have ensured the right to bowl in the fourth innings if the match lasted that long. And with Murali in the ranks, even a small total would have been defensible in the fourth innings.

Instead they chose to play it safe. They chose to field first as they probably did not want to face the Australian pacers on the first morning. It sends a wrong message. You have no chance of beating the Australians if you play defensive. You have to go for it all the time. Constantly try to pressure them.

Well it seems that all the talk from Sangakarra before the series began about annoying the opposition and playing to win, was just that, talk.