As Sri Lanka looks to end its decade-long win drought against India in Tests, former Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews said the team has to play a positive brand of cricket to tame the visitors.

“You’ve got all the videos, and there are no secrets in international cricket nowadays. So, it’s about the positive body language and the mindset they need to take into the field. They are coming up against a huge Indian line-up, and it’s never easy to play against them in any condition. It’s a matter of having the right attitude and taking the game on,” Mathews said during an online interaction on Friday, on the eve of the first Test starting in Galle.

In the build-up to the match, there has been a lot of focus on the spin strengths of both sides and how many could feature in the XI. However, the 39-year-old felt that fast bowlers could still play a huge part in the series.

“Spin plays a major role, especially in these conditions. So Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis will be vital. But I wouldn’t rule out the pacers. Guys like Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando will have a bigger role to play, especially with the new ball, and also trying to keep it tight at one end so the spinners can go at the Indian batters. It has to be a collective effort,” he added.

The former Lanka all-rounder reckoned that India might miss Jasprit Bumrah, especially in Galle, where quicks can get reverse swing.

“Bumrah has got the skill to bowl in any condition. And he would have been lethal, especially in Galle with the reverse swing. So, Sri Lanka is quite lucky not to have come up against Bumrah. But Siraj, Jadeja, and Kuldeep have got the skill. So, Sri Lankan batters can’t be complacent. You have got to respect the game and take it in a positive attitude,” said Mathews.

(Watch the Sri Lanka-India Test series live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD and Sony LIV from 10 a.m. on August 15).

Exuding confidence after becoming the first Indian to clock a sub-45 seconds time, quartermiler Vishal T.K. said his positive mindset was the key to his success.

The 22-year-old, who owned the National record (45.12) prior to the Federation athletics meet at the Birsa Munda Stadium (Morabadi) here, rose to the occassion and scripted history by clocking 44.98.

His result was a combination of hard work and manifestation as he pulled out a piece of paper with ‘44 COMING HOME’ written on it.

“I feel proud. I did this for my country. I trained hard, it’s always behind the scenes. Competition is easier..I missed the Commonwealth Games qualification (narrowly). God has some other plans. I’ll work hard and come again,” said Vishal.

Vishal credited his coach Jason Dawson, who’s like a father figure to him, for inculcating a strong mindset in him. “I made up my mind, read my race, visualised it…Visualization is a part of the work. You’ve already run a race in the mind.

“It becomes easier…This is my coach’s mindset which I have. He taught me a lot. I’m still learning from him.

“It’s not about the conditions, it’s about the mindset. I can run on the sea also. We’ve to be positive.”

C. Latha, a former 800m National champion and the secretary of the Tamil Nadu Athletics Association, which supported Vishal in his formative years, was excited. “We expected him to clock 44 seconds at the Indian Open 400m Meet at Thiruvananthapuram (in March). But his coach said Vishal would peak for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

“I expected both Vishal and Rajesh Ramesh, who has been consistent for the last four years, to go below 45. I came with a poster for them but was disappointed. I’m sure both will do 44 at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and win medals,” said Latha.

Looking at a bigger picture, Vishal liked the keen competition among Indian quartermilers. “India is here to compete. We’re coming. Five of us competed (clocking 45 seconds or less). I’m happy for them. They’re also working hard. Hopefully, next year, 44 will be easier,” said Vishal.