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.
I will be there bringing readers of the ‘Sunday Observer’ and the
‘Daily News’, the action how it happens on and off the field.
So keep a date with the two leading newspapers in sport. |