Sri Lanka bowling: 1st and 2nd innings

India bowling: 1st innings

As much as anything, the chart gives a clue to the different attitudes of the two sides. When Sri Lanka bowled outside off stump, it looked like a negative tactic but only because India's batsmen treated it with so much caution. They scored only 64 runs off the 366 balls they received in that area (17.49%), whereas Sri Lanka have scored two and a half times faster outside off stump: 153 off 338 balls (45.27%).

The difference can be partly explained by the length each team bowled: Sri Lanka pitching the ball up, India sending down too much short stuff (and not just outside off). But attitude has played a vital part: Sanath Jayasuriya in particular took advantage of virtually every loose ball. A more positive approach that has paid off for all to see.

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