Sri Lanka should be revitalised side in New Zealand

by Ranjan Anandappa

CRICKET - Tom Moody the Sri Lankan coach prior to the team's departure to Kiwi land, said that traditionally the ball will swing around in New Zealand during this time of the year, very much like in the early season in England, and it will be a challenge for our players to adjust into those conditions quickly. However, with the experience that the Lankans had in England in the Test series, the players have learnt a lot in playing in different conditions.

The players should be well aware that they can't play the way they use to play in the sub-continent. They will have to adjust their game plan and play accordingly.

The Sri Lanka cricket team left yesterday (Saturday) for New Zealand to meet their counterparts in two Test matches, a 20 Twenty Tournament and five One Day matches.

"Most countries are gearing up towards the World Cup and it seems pointless our playing too many Test matches, when we have five one dayers as well to concentrate on. There was an initial thought of playing three Test matches, but both governing bodies thought that two is going to be sufficient and play an extra Twenty 20 match which is not a bad idea, given that the Twenty 20 is becoming a more attractive format of the game and at end of September next year, there is a mini World Cup a Twenty 20 cricket tournament in South Africa and it seems to suit everyone", said Moody.

He said that the team has learnt from their past mistakes. The dropped catches and failing to probably get 20 or 30 runs more when required, against Pakistan in the last Champions Trophy cost the match for the Lankans. However, the team has not lost confidence from the experience of the Champions Trophy. If anything, the team I believe has gained in experience from playing in that competition, we'll be a better team going into the next competition which happens to be the World Cup in next year in March-April.

Talking of the composition of the team, Moody said that traditionally the ball tends to swing in New Zealand as this is the beginning of the season, and very much favourable to seam and swing bowlers rather than spin.

The two Test match venues, we are playing the two-spinner options, going in with a balance of a side with two spinners and two fast bowlers, was never going to be in consideration.

To have the back up of Akalanka Ganegama was more important particularly given his form in the 'A' team recently and he gives the link to the type of bowling that is required in those conditions.

Assessing the New Zealanders, Moody said that they are a difficult team at home.

"They have some world class players, and some good quality batting in their ranks, they are led very well by Fleming and they also got quality spin options led by left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori. So they are going to be a tough assignment for us, but we are looking forward to continue our good form in Test cricket".

In the 22 Test matches played so far between the two countries, New Zealand has won eight to Sri Lanka's four. In the one dayers, the two countries have met each other on 61 occasions. 22 in New Zealand, 16 in Sri Lanka and 23 occasions in neutral venues.

Out of the 61 ODI's, the Kiwis have won 32 and the Sri Lankans have won 26 with one match ending in a 'tie' and two matches producing no results.