Hope Sri Lankans will deliver

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE from the West Indies

CRICKET: It is hoped that the Sri Lankan cricketers would put behind them the incidents that took place during the selection of the one-day squad, and deliver when they open their two Test tour of the Caribbean with the first Test in Guyana on March 22.

Apparently there had been a lot of ill feeling after Sanath Jayasuriya was left out of the one-day squad. But by gones must be bygones and what is required is success.

One hopes the ill feeling would not rub off on the Test squad. If that happens, then there is no way that success could be achieved.

Before the First test the Lankans would have limb loosener against a local Guyana side that is still to be named.

The Lankans flew into Guyana after a tiring flight, but excuded confidence, promising to do their best and go back home after pocketing the Two Test series.

Again the Lankans will be looking for runs from their two elder statesmen skipper Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, the vice captain.

Both were in the runs during the World Cup and having batted on the National Stadium in Guyana should know how the wicket plays and should have no problem in negotiating the windies bowlers.

Openers Michael Vandort and Malinda Warnapura, will have to give the side a good start for the batsmen following to consolidate.

Runs should also come from Tillekratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera and wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardena.

Again the bowling will be in the safe hands of left arm medium pacer Chaminda Vaas and the tantalising and vicious spin of Muttiah Muralitheran. Both had below par tours in the Commonwealth Bank series in Australia. But Test cricket being a different ball game, bowling would be unlimited and both have the talent to deliver.

Skipper Jayawardena will certainly miss the allround ability of Farveez Mahroof and the slinging pace of Lasith Malinga. Both are nursing injuries, probably picked up in Australia.

As for the West Indians, they are making a determined effort to get back their lost glories. At one time the West Indians were the untouchables in all forms of the game. But sadly after the retirements of their greats, whose names are too numerous to mention have slipped very badly.

Under new captain Chrys Gayle, the cricketers from the Caribbean are making a determined effort and with eye catching and high scoring batters in the captain, Edwards, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shiv Chamderpau, Dwaynne Smith, Bravo and wicket keeper Ramdin and Marlon Samuels should have formidable totals on the Board.

In the absence of Jerome Taylor and left armer Pedro Collins would lead the home team’s pace attack. The Windies have always relied on pace for success and it would be interesting to see how they will go this time.

Will it be an all out pace blitz or will they plonk for spin? It would be interesting to watch.

Incidentally the Lankans were here this time last year contesting the World Cup and performing exceedingly well to enter the finals. Although they lost the final, they won the hearts of the West Indians with their style of play and will be expecting a similar performance.

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