Sanga toys with playing extra paceman

by Ranjan ANANDAPPA

Sri Lanka skipper Kumar Sangakkara will have his options open till the last moment whether to play an extra fast bowler or not when the 2nd cricket Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan get underway today at the P.Sara Stadium.

The answer to the question will be known only prior to the toss after having a look at the pitch.

"We are thinking of a couple of options whether to include another fast bowler or not. The bowlers we have are doing a great job for us, but the persuasion is to probably keep the same side. We have to have a look at the deck in the morning and then come to a final decision," said the Sri Lankan captain.

Referring to the two regular injured players wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardena and off spinner Muttiah Muralidaran Sangakkara said that Prasanna is back training with the team and has to be watched for a few more days, but 'Murali' should be hopefully fit for the 3rd Test at the SSC on July 20. But he will be definitely out of the second Test.

"Whichever the option we decide to go with we are going to back the bowlers who are more suited to the track and to the opposition to win the game."

Sangakkara said that the wicket looks a good one and hopes it will be the case.

"I am not the best at reading wickets. I would rather play on it and see how it goes. It's all speculation until we play on it," said Sangakkara.

With Prasanna Jayawardena unavailable to keep due to injury, Sangakkara has his options also open in sharing the job behind the stumps in case of fatigue strikes Dilshan.

"We had a chat whether I could take the gloves or we could share it in case fatigue or Dilshan feeling uncomfortable behind the stumps. We have many options, but I feel Dilshan did a very good job in the Galle Test, despite it being a stop-gap option. If he is fit enough and keen in doing the job again in the 2nd Test it is great, but if he is not then I can take over the gloves."

"A first innings total is always vital and our job is to go there and bat as long as possible we can. We have a batting line up upto number 7 who have scored runs almost against every opposition in world cricket. So everyone should chip in, the tail as well. I think in modern day cricket the impact is the tail, as to how long they keep on batting and the runs they score is important. So all eleven players should contribute towards the total, which is good enough to apply the pressure to the opposition".