Sri Lanka's Tillakaratne Dilshan today urged his team to change its approach and said that the batsmen must look to attack more in the first 10 overs when they clash against India in the second match of the five-game ODI series, here tomorrow.
Sri Lanka lost their opening one-dayer at Cuttack by 169 runs after India posted an imposing 363 for five.
"I think in any match you have to start well and especially when you are chasing 350-plus. We didn't do that and they (India) bowled really well. The two new-ball bowlers were really good. But come tomorrow, I think we have to change our approach," said Dilshan on the eve of the second ODI here.
"We need to attack a bit in the first 10 overs and put the Indian bowlers under pressure. We didn't take the risk (at Cuttack) but it might be tomorrow," he said.
Dilshan, the oldest member of the team at 38, said that his team should put the disappointment of the first match behind and look to put the best foot forward.
"I think we have in the past not done well at the start but have bounced back in the series. We have to forget what happened in the last match and play our brand of cricket. That's the main target for the team. And as a team we are just focusing on that," Dilshan, who has figured in 289 ODIs for his country till date, said.
He said 300 runs in 50-over ties is the norm these days.
"I think you have to expect the teams to score 290-300 with the new rules in place. Just four fielders outside the circle after the first 10 overs is not easy to contain the batsmen, especially in India. The wickets are flat and the Indian batting line-up is good. As a batting unit we have to go and get those runs. And we are batting first, we have to set up 300-plus target. That's become the norm now," said Dilshan.
The opening batsman refused to put too much emphasis on India's rather poor record in ODIs here, six wins out of 14, saying his teammates must quickly adapt to the conditions.
"We have come back here after a long time. That (victory for Lanka) was back in 2005. Every venue is different and we have to adjust quickly to the wicket. Get ready for the conditions as soon as possible and that's the main goal," Dilshan insisted.
