'I practised with Kookaburra ball at home': Manav Suthar's grind behind Galle heroics

India left-arm spinner Manav Suthar said practising with the Kookaburra ball before the Sri Lanka series helped him adapt quickly to the conditions as he played a key role in India's win in the first Test in Galle.

Suthar picked up 10 wickets in only his second Test as India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs on Wednesday to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.


The 22-year-old took 6 for 55 in Sri Lanka's second innings and finished with match figures of 10 for 101, helping India wrap up the victory on the fifth day.

Speaking in a video released by the BCCI, Suthar said he had started preparing with the Kookaburra ball after India's match against Afghanistan and spent plenty of time practising with it before leaving for Sri Lanka.

"I take Test cricket very seriously. My focus is to improve day to day when I go to practice. I practice as much as I can. My focus after the Afghanistan game was to adapt as soon as possible. I practised a lot with the Kookaburra ball. I practised in nets and at home."

Suthar also said India's decision to arrive in Sri Lanka 10 days before the Test gave him enough time to understand the conditions and get used to bowling with the Kookaburra ball.

"We came to Sri Lanka ten days ago, and it helped a lot in adapting to the environment and how to play with the Kookaburra ball. I get time to adapt. It has helped me a lot."

— BCCI (@BCCI)
The spinner said patience was important on the Galle pitch and revealed that he discussed the approach with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav during the match.

"We were talking about how patiently we can play. We knew that it would be difficult for the new batsmen to play on this wicket."

Suthar said India's victory meant more to him than his personal performance.

“The most important thing is that we won the match. That is the most important thing. I am very happy about that. I am very happy that I was able to perform in the team’s victory. Winning is the best thing.”

He added that beginning the series with a win has given India momentum heading into the second Test.

“It is very important because you get momentum when you start this series. You get a good rhythm. You get momentum as a team. It helps a lot. Everyone feels good when we win. I would like to say that it is very good. Winning is the best thing.”

Suthar will now look to carry his form into the second Test against Sri Lanka, which begins on August 23.