We're taking shape as Test team, but need to turn it into a performance: Gary Kirsten

Despite going down to India in the first Test in Galle, head coach Gary Kirsten was pleased to see Sri Lankan players embracing the challenges that the red-ball format offers. The 165-run defeat to India was Sri Lanka's second defeat in three Tests after.

I'm particularly excited by being involved with Sri Lankan cricket. I think there are some great players here, but the team still needs to develop.

What Happened

This is now our third Test match in the space of a couple of months and I can already see the team developing and we're starting to build some shape into the team. But we need to be able to turn it.

• Devdutt Padikkal played one of the better Test match innings that I've seen.

• I think India did really well in their first innings.

• Former India head coach Kirsten also lauded Devdutt Padikkal for playing a proper Test match innings, handing advantage to India.

Key Details

Kirsten was happy to see the fight Sri Lanka offered despite getting reduced to 99 for five in the initial part of their first innings, and then dragged the match to the fifth and final day. From being 99 for 5 at.

• In fact, players that have got really good first-class records in this country.

• So, we're missing a few guys from that perspective but it creates a great opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim.

• Pathum Nissanka as well and Dinesh (Chandimal) are also not available for the next Test.

Why It Matters

There was a bit of fight and that we were keen to try and stay in the Test match. We still believed even this (Wednesday) morning that we could make something happen, either win the Test match or certainly draw it.

• Kusal Mendis has got a proper hamstring injury.

• However, Kirsten's update on injured Sri Lankan players did not offer an upbeat scenario to the hosts ahead of the second Test.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by Rediff as more details emerge