Lanka fear Viru factor in Galle Test

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn't believe in miracles

Galle: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni doesn't believe in miracles. What he does believe in, is solid preparation and hard work to prepare for Tests and the opening one in any series is always important.

Just as it was two years ago, when India levelled the series in this ancient seaside port with its imposing 300-year-old Fort backdrop, Dhoni and coach Gary Kirsten will provide India with the sort of start they hope to make in a bid to win a series in Sri Lanka for the first time.

Two key players though have major roles to play. The first is Muttiah Muralitharan, who ends his Test career at a venue where he has an impressive record of 103 Test wickets in 13 games. The second is Virender Sehwag, who returns to the venue where he scored an inspiring double century that helped India win that second Test under Anil Kumble's leadership.

Virender Sehwag blasts away at a net session at The Galle International Cricket Stadium on Saturday. PIC/AFP

"We all know this is his (Muralitharan's) last Test, and we'll make it one to remember,"u00a0 said Dhoni. The India skipper also emphasised the limited-overs style power play that Sehwag brings to the game. It is not a slam wham T20 type game either but one where he assumes the cutting edge.

That Galle innings of two years has been repeated more than once. It is like a punch that winds a boxer and has him gasping for breath as well as wondering what follow up there will be.

"Sehwag is a great player. He is the type of batsman, who in one and a half sessions, can score you a quick century or even more and places all the pressure on the bowlers," Dhoni added.

Sri Lanka experienced it here in 2008 and again late last year in Kanpur and Mumbai. It left whatever bowling plan they had thrown into the nearest dustbin. Over to Galle!