Chaminda Vaas included in Sri Lanka squad:

Pakistan out to redeem lost prestige in final Test

by Ranjan ANANDAPPA

CRICKET: Pakistan who have incurred the wrath of some of their former players for their dismal performances in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, will no doubt be out to salvage some prestige in the Third and final cricket Test beginning at the Sinhalese Sports Club grounds tomorrow (Monday).

The Pakistan team management was heavily criticised for losing the First Test in Galle after being in a winning position and handing over the series 2-0 once again losing the second Test at P. Sara Oval in three days after being in a position of strength 285 for 2 and all out 320. The Pakistanis lost eight wickets for 35 runs in the post lunch session on the third day, thus setting a victory target of 170 runs for the home team which they achieved at ease.

A Pakistani win in the Third Test will certainly put them in a better frame of mind to meet the home team in the five match limited over series which is scheduled to begin at Dambulla on July 30.

The criticism was widely based on the non-inclusion of Fawad Alam in the Pakistan team for the Galle Test. He had been a prolific scorer in the domestic season in addition to being a fine fielder and a left-arm spinner.

Alam got his chance in the second Test and displayed his batting prowess, scoring a century (168) on debut in the second innings at the P. Sara Oval to become the only Pakistani batsman to hit a century on debut, outside Pakistan.

There were also allegations against not considering their main spin bowler Danish Kaneria and all rounder Abdul Razzack in both Test matches. Skipper Younis Khan was also accused of lack of team spirit which attributed to their poor show in the Tests.

Due credit should also be given to the Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakkara who has been marshalling his side to good effect and already winning the three - match series 2/0. The Lankans have never won a Test series against Pakistan at home. They beat the Pakistanis 2/1 in Pakistan in 1995. Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka while Rameez Raja captained Pakistan. Sri Lanka’s only Test win prior to this at home was in 1985/1986 when they defeated Pakistan at the CCC grounds in the Second Test after losing the First Test at Asgiriya. Imran Khan captained Pakistan and Duleep Mendis Sri Lanka. The Third Test was drawn.

Meanwhile 35 year old Chaminda Vaas who has been sidelined from the Test squad has been recalled into the 16 member squad to meet Pakistan in the third and final cricket Test starting on monday.

Vaas last represented Sri Lanka in a Test match in the aborted Second Test at Lahore, Pakistan. If he is included in the final eleven he will get chance to improve on his 354 Test wickets.

Since Sangakkara took over the reigns from Mahela Jayawardena, he has been successful in most of his moves with his astute leadership qualities. But for the loss of the final of the World T20 Cup in England recently, he has been on the winning side most of the time. In the two Tests Sangakkara captained, he has taken bold decisions and has not stuck to the conventional style of doing things. His introduction of left-arm spinner Rangana Herath at the right moment, first at Galle and thereafter at the Oval sharing the new-ball with Kulasekera paid rich dividends. On both occasions it was Mohammed Yousuf who became the victim of Herath which triggered a Pakistani collapse.

The two countries have played 36 Tests up to date of which the visitors have won on 15 occasions to the Lankans nine with 12 ending in draws.

Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (Capt), Mahela Jayawardena (Vice captain), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavithana, Thilan Samaraweera, T.M. Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilana Thushara Mirando, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis, Chamara Kapugedara, Chaminda Vaas, Kaushal Silva, Dammika Prasad.

Pakistan: Younis Khan (Capt), Khurran Manzoor, Fawad Alam, Salman Butt, Mohammed Yousuf, Misbah-Ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal, Umer Gul, Abdur Rauff, Saeed Ajmal, Faizal Iqbal, Mohamed Aameer. Abdur Razzack, Danish Kaneria.

Umpires: Simon Taufel (Australia), Ian Gould (England). 3rd Umpire: Gamini Silva (Sri Lanka). 4th Umpire: Sena Nandaweera (Sri Lanka).

Match referee: Alan Hurst (Australia).