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new horizon for the brave Lankans In an interview with The Sunday Times Atapattu admitted that the Kiwis will definitely be at an advantage playing at home. "Like all other countries the New Zealanders will be hard to beat at home. They are playing on home conditions and will start off as favourites. But my players are experienced enough to face upto this challenge. We are a talented side and we have proved that in the last few months and I am confident that we can continue in the same vein". The Sri Lankan selectors recalled the experienced Russell Arnold after he was overlooked for the Pakistan tour and T. M. Dilshan who was axed for the test matches in Pakistan. It is believed that Atapattu as the skipper played a lead role to include Arnold and Dilshan for the Kiwi tour. "For a series like this it is important that we go in with a lot of experience and the inclusion of Russell Arnold and Dilshan is certainly welcome", the Lankan skipper commented. When asked how his team intends to compete in different conditions and seaming tracks the 34 year old Atapattu replied saying. "It's a big challenge especially for our batsmen. We are all aware that the wickets are not batting friendly as in the sub-continent and it does seam a lot. But our batsmen are experienced enough to counter these conditions. It's another opportunity for us to prove that we can perform well outside Sri Lanka and the sub-continent". In the same vein Atapattu was also aware that although many of his players are experienced, they have very little or no experience playing in New Zealand. "If you look at Sanath he has played over 300 one dayers, but very few in New Zealand. Maybe Vaas has some experience in New Zealand and so has Zoysa. For most other players it is going to be a learning experience. But I am sure they will come out with their heads held high". The Sri Lankan team has been preparing for their four-week tour of New Zealand during the last two weeks under the watchful eye of coach John Dyson and mamger Brendon Kuruppu. According to skipper Atapattu most of the players have been playing in the Premier league tournament and are on a high after Sri Lanka had a satisfactory tour of Pakistan winning the triangular tournament and levelling the two test series 1-1. Despite Sri Lankas recent successes in the shorter version of the game where they have won 25 out of the last 35 games since Marvan Atapattu took over they are aware that the Kiwis are a very formidable outfit, especially in their own back yard. "They are a very good allround side and they have played good cricket in Australia where the 3 match series was drawn one each. But still I feel my team can give them a good run", commented Atapattu. Once again the Lankans will not have the services of their champion off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan who is recovering after shoulder surgery. When asked when Muralitharan is expected to join the team, Atapattu was quick to reply saying, sooner the better. However he promptly added "I think we must not be very hasty. We must ensure that Murali is safeguarded and such injuries will not recur again. He is very eager to join the team .He has told me that he is improving and progressing satisfactorily so I think he should join us in time for the first test match". Meanwhile former skipper Sanath Jayasuriya did not leave with the team on Thursday as he made a special request to be with his wife Sandra for a few days following the birth of his second daughter on Wednesday night. However Jayasuriya is expected to be in New Zealand before the first one day international which begins on the 26 th of December. |
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