Bears paceman Olly Stone spoke with the media as strong rumours hint that the 27-year-old could play in his second Test on Friday.
Olly Stone on potential selection…
“Selection has not been finalised. I’d love to say I was, but we’ll have to wait to see how it goes after training tomorrow. I’d love to get my opportunity. I’ve had a taste of it against Ireland. If it’s here then great, if it’s India great.
“If it’s next summer then, that’s a bit frustrating as I’d love to play before. But it’s great being here with everyone and learning. I’ve got to remember I’m pretty young in my international career. If I can learn on the way, then great.”
Olly Stone on injury frustration…
“It has been hard. I guess you’ve seen with what Woody has said at times, you do question whether it is the right thing but you’ve just got to get people around who help support you. Family, girlfriend and friends like that have been vital as has doing a bit of work away from cricket to try to take your mind off it and not have that pressure of it being just cricket, cricket, cricket.
“That has really helped. I’m also getting myself a lot fitter and putting more of the hard yards in just to give myself the best-possible chance has definitely helped.”
Olly Stone on improvements…
“I feel like my accuracy has improved. Obviously, it’s great bowling the high-end speeds but if you can’t control it and hit the areas you need to, the game can get away from you. So I feel like I’m more accurate.
“In terms of skills, when these pitches get flatter, I’m finding ways of getting something out of the deck to get the breakthrough. I guess being around everyone here it’s hard not to improve. Such good quality and people to tap into to. It makes that job easier.
Olly Stone on the series so far…
“Looking back we didn’t expect Sri Lanka to produce a score like that (359) in the second innings and they showed that they can put runs on the board and make it tough. Our chase was probably a bit more nervy than we’d have liked. It sets it up for an exciting last Test match.
“We saw back in 2018 that if teams score in the first innings that it makes it very difficult for the team batting last. So, yes, it is exciting what’s to come.”
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