“It is not unjustified to demand 20 wickets from bowlers because they are going to learn at some point in time. When you play Test cricket, you have to take 20 wickets. It is going to be hard work because of the inexperience,” Walsh told the media at Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo Oval on Monday.
“They will get better the more they play, but the other factor is that they are playing in different tracks. By the time they realised what happened in New Zealand and India, we had left those places. And now we are here. It is about adapting quickly. So far, I think we are getting reasonable batting tracks. With more experience, you will only get better,” he said.
The former West Indian fast bowler also said the Tigers coaching staff is working on the physical fitness of the bowlers as the pacers often find it difficult to bowl long spells, especially in the final sessions of a Test.
“We are looking to convert the bowlers to be ready physically, and I think that they can do it. They are not fully experienced on how to come back in the third spell. You get it by playing a lot. It is something that we have been working on, how to bowl that last spell. Our seamers have been a little bit jaded in the last session of most of the Tests we’ve played. It is obviously an area of concern and it is something that we are looking to fix,” said Walsh.
Bangladesh played three pacers in the Galle Test whereas host Sri Lanka opted for three spinners in the playing XI.
Walsh, however, said head coach Chandiaka Hathurusingha made the right call as he knows the Sri Lankan condition well.
“It is the head coach and selectors’ job to decide the playing XI. I am sure with his experience here, he will be looking at the playing conditions, and how it played in the last game; he is in the best position to look at what he thinks is the best combination. He knows it better than anybody else. Whatever goes with, he will have my and everyone’s full support,” said Walsh.
Walsh is of the opinion that Bangladesh will turn it around in the second and final Test, starting Wednesday in Colombo, after losing the Galle five-dayer by 259 runs.
“We just need to get a positive result in this Test. I cannot emphasise how special this is for Bangladesh. I am hoping on the special occasion of the 100th Test, pride alone will kick in and the boys will do everything that they can to try to win this Test match. We would love to hear the Bangladesh song in this Test match. I know the guys are pumped up for it, and once we perform, we can give any team problems. Hopefully this is where we turn things around,” concluded the 54-year old.
