Sri Lankans faced with lurking dangers

by Ranjan Anandappa

In a year when Sri Lanka had the highest level of mediocrity in the cricketing world, it will not be an easy task when they take wing to Kiwiland to play two Test matches, five ODIs and two T20s against a strong New Zealand side.

There are several new faces in the side who will need to be given sufficient time to prepare while playing against the Kiwis. The Sri Lankans will no doubt be greeted by chilly days, grey skies, a heavy atmosphere and sloping well grassed pitches totally different to the ones at home. Skipper Angelo Mathews hinted that the fast bowlers on either side could play a vital role in the series.

"It's going to be a tough series as we have an inexperienced team. We have been practicing hard during the past few weeks.

We have batted on grassy wickets with seam and swing to help us adapt or get close to the New Zealand conditions", said Mathews.

The Sri Lankan captain said that the New Zealanders are tough opponents in any part of the world as they showed it in the sub-continent and in Dubai recently while stressing that his team will have to play exceedingly well to beat them.

"The training has been very specific to suit those conditions and hopefully we could do our best and beat the New Zealanders." he said.

But Sri Lanka is still trying to find a batsman who could partner Dimuth Karunaratne to open the innings.

"We have still not decided who will partner Dimuth Karunaratne to open the innings. There are three new players in contention, Udara Jayasundera, Kusal Mendis and Kithuruwan Vithanage. The three-day game at Queenstown prior to the Test which begins on December 10 in Dunedin should give the selectors something to think about not only the opener's position but also the number three spot which is also vacant", said Mathews.

Although the Sri Lankans have included three spinners in the Test squad, Rangana Herath (left arm spin) who is capable of turning the tide of a match, Milinda Siriwardena (left arm), all-rounder Dilruwan Perera (off spin) and new boy Jeffrey Vandersay (right arm leg spin), Mathews believes that the outcome of the match will be in the hands of the pace bowlers.

"You never know as the Hamilton pitch seems to be a dry one, but it is difficult to predict as I doubt that it will be a spinners' friendly one, added Mathews. The Sri Lanka captain rated Jeffrey Vandersay as a bright prospect and a good investment for the future.

"He (Vandersay) is a good investment for the future and we are keen in getting him into the system. If he keeps on bowling the way his does he could be a vital cog in the team while going forward", said Mathews.

Many players in the squad had also toured New Zealand with the Sri Lanka 'A' team recently and they should have a fair feel of the conditions .

Sri Lanka Test squad:

Angelo Mathews (captain), Dushmantha Chameera, Dinesh Chandimal (WK), Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath, Udara Jayasundera, Dimuth Karunaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Kusal Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Kusal Perera (WK), Dhammika Prasad, Milinda Siriwardena, Jeffrey Vandersay and Kithuruwan Vithanage.