On to stormy Galle - Iain O'Brien at Cricinfo

I said in an interview that one of the most important things about playing over here is not fading throughout the day, getting into that third session and still bringing what you offered in the first. I came back for three overs right at the end of the third session, one with the old ball and two with the new. I felt pretty good, the legs were feeling a little heavy but I got to the crease well and felt like I had similar if not just slightly better ‘snap’ than I did first up in the morning. It was this spell where I picked up my two wickets; Dinesh Chandimal with my second delivery with the new ball and then Seekkuge Prasanna with the fifth ball. Chandimal played a beautiful innings, a great hundred, and he’s only 19. His patience and the ability to stick to his game plan was amazing for someone of his age. A very special future player for Sri Lanka; he took the gloves in the second innings too.

I’ve just been to the gym, core session and then a sweaty 20 minute cardio run. I think I’m sweating more here in Galle than we did in Colombo.

Last night we were invited to visit a NZ family here in Galle. Everywhere we go we get the full police and military escort which people stop and stare to watch as we go past. It makes the trips a lot quicker but the attentions it attracts sometimes also makes it feel a little over the top. It’s great that we’ve got the security though, don’t get me wrong, it just seems such a mission to organise a two-hour outing from the hotel.

It was a good, albeit short, evening out of the hotel meeting Kiwi’s here working and living the Sri Lankan life. Also there were a combination of other westerners that have joined together to make a tight little friend group. It was great hearing the stories how people came to live here and how they are making it work for them. Thanks Simon and Eric for putting yourselves out for us. Appreciate it a lot!

The highlight of today will be a 2pm trip to a supermarket. It doesn’t sound like much but a chance to peruse the shelves and pick up some needed supplies is something to look forward to. Again, I’m sure it will give the security guys a bit of a headache!

Hi,OB,
Extremely glad to be the first to comment(that would be because of constant checking for updates). some people we know are thinking that this series is going to be a 'walk in the park' for the SL's (as if) Honestly they are seriously underestimating the capabilities of the blackcaps.Help us to clamp their mouths shut(please dont let us down)you have the ability to rip through their lineup.All the best for tuesday.
Sorry for the incomplete comment and the comment overload last time.some kind of error...

Good to see you enjoying yourselves, Iain. Galle is just down the road from my dad's hometown. I hope the NZ team enjoy themselves in this lovely town. You half expect to see an old galleon sailing in when you're walking along the old Dutch Fort!

Don't sweat (pun intended hehe) about the security. Though there isn't anything to worry about in Sri Lanka any more, those guys will always be on full alert.

Go and take a look around the turtle hatchery if you guys have got the time. It's in the town of Kosgoda, very close to Galle. If you're lucky, you might get to release a few turtle hatchlings into the ocean!

Do not listen to others mate. I am a opening bowler playing at a high standard here in Brisbane and i watched you bowl agianst Australia. I took a lot out of the courage you showed to keep hitting the deck hard and give it to the Aussie, and it paid didvidends mate.

With regards to the blog, i think it provides an
amzing insight into the lift of a cricket. I am sure you find it a relaxing thing to do as well after a day of cricket.

Take care mate, best of luck and keep putting ur heart and soul out there, because a lot of people respect it bro.

Kiora Iain

I lived in Tawa Wellington-NZ and used to windy whether. there is no different to Galle. but not so humid in wellington. skin burning effect due to sun is not there in Galle/Colombo unlike during summer months in NZ.

Enjoy the fantastic sunny weather & authentic foods in SL. As far as my 10 year living experience is concerned in NZ I never found the authentic SL egg hoppers and fish curries in NZ. Suggest you guys try them.

Do not forget to buy some "wood carving faces" called "Gara yaka muhuna" meaning devil face in SL. similar to Maori carvings in NZ.

Wish all the very best and peaceful tour in SL.

Cheers

Don

Posted by: Ruwani D. Gunasekara, Mt. Lavinia, Sri Lanka at August 18, 2009 3:16 PM