The moment of truth for lucky Lankans
With three wins already in the pocket, the Lankans go in for this important first round clash against Australia with a better frame of mind, than the previous games. They are almost assured of their quarter-final berth as for now.
Nevertheless, this game would really help the Lankans to access the standard of cricket that they play at present and know where they could really perch themselves in the real picture.
In this part of the World, the summer is officially over and the much cooler autumn is taking its place, but, for this game today the predictions – sunny and hot.
Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara (C) heads a football while teammates look on as the team trains ahead of their 2015 Cricket World Cup Group A match against Australia, in Sydney on March 7, 2015. - AFP
Their preparation for today’s game against which they did against Afghanistan, the Australians were more than successful. With that result alone the haughty Australian press has begun their pressure tactics by playing a guessing game of as to how much the Australians would score against Sri Lanka and what the victory margin would be. However with the three wins against the Australians’ two and half wins (the Australians have to win this game to book their place in spot number two at the end of the first round) still the Lankans are a nose ahead. Both teams have one more game to play against Scotland.
At the same time now the Australians are complaining that in their run they so far have covered 13,380 km, in this tournament against the 2000 that the Kiwis have travelled to complete their games. Now they are questioning if travel fatigue would be a matter to worry, in this vital game against the Lankans.
At the beginning of the tournament Lankan chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya was lamenting about the structure of the restricted tournament rules where there are restrictions on field placings and accused that those were done to favour the strengths of teams like Australia, England and South Africa. But, as this is towards the end of the Australian summer the worn out wickets after a full season of hectic cricket have begun to assist the slower stuff and spinners — especially the SCG.
Speaking to the press earlier former Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardena said “We are fortunate to encounter both New Zealand and Australia in the first round of the tournament, as they are the top runners upfront”. He went on to explain that playing against oppositions of that nature really gives you the indications as to where you are perched. However he added that the real test of wits begins from the quarter-final onwards and said that Sri Lanka are here not just take part but to win the tournament.
However the injury to Lankan spin ace Rangana Herath has brought some concern to the Lankan camp, but, they do have talented Sachitra Senanayake who is still to play a game. He played last in New Zealand, and on those wickets in the middle of the season none of the Lankan spinners were successful and neither the wickets helped them in anyway. Yet there is still speculation that Herath may play in today’s game if the stitches come out in time or else would it be the new recruit Seekuge Prasanna.
The injury to Dimuth Karunaratne at the eleventh hour may also be a blessing in disguise, as this may pave the way for Upul Tharanga to make his presence in the final Xl. In a previous tour Tharanga batting in the middle order scored a lot of runs for Sri Lanka.
In the three wins scored so far, it has been their solid top order that has carried the burden. Centuries by Lahiru Thirimanne, T.M. Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (back to back) and Mahela Jayawardena have come in good stead and may encourage the rest of the Lankan batting wake up and perform their duties too. Combating the duo of Mitchell’s – Starc and Johnson would of course pose problems. Yet, the Lankan batting will have to take the bull by its horn, in the same manner that tiny Englishman James Taylor did. Also remember the way Kane Williamson batted against the Australian bowling attack in a much different situation. This means if you are resolute you can tame the Aussie mean machine.
Yet, the same thing could not be said about the bowling, catching and fielding. Even the weakest of the line-ups have taken liberties against the Lankan bowling attack, with the main flouter being all-rounder Thisara Perera who is expected to bowl his full quota of ten overs. His medium pace short stuff has been traveling to all parts of the playing area and over it.
Another concern in the Lankan camp would be the bowling of generally reliable Suranga Lakmal. Right through the tour Lakmal was not fully fit, and his reluctance to dive-stop possible boundaries has amply proven the fact. To compound the problem his two beamers against England prompted the umpire to stop him from bowling. Yet, would the Lankan hierarchy expose promising Dushmantha Chameera against a batting machine like the Australians is a question worth probing into. Between the devil and deep – yet, breaking a young talent in that manner may not be very prudent.
However the biggest challenge at the hands of the Lankan would be their catching and ground fielding. So far they have got away with a sloppy show in both these departments, but, if they give the Australians half a chance, they may score more runs against the Lankan attack than they did against Afghanistan.
| Mathews hints about Tharanga and Prasanna By S.R. Pathiravithana The Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews in his pre-match press chat hinted that both Seekuge Prasanna and Upul Tharanga would make it to the playing Xl in today’s crunch game against the Aussies at the SCG. Mathew said “Yes, we have drafted Prasanna into the squad and the Australian line-up consists of about seven right-handers, so his type of bowling may be useful. But, still we have not agreed upon the playing Xl for tomorrow’s game. Yesterday, even the wicket did look quite different from the one we saw the day before. I still have not had a look at the wicket today. First we will have a look at the wicket and after a discussion with the selectors arrive at a decision. Speaking of Upul Tharanga Mathews said that the left hander is a veteran of a few previous World Cups and his experience could be useful in the batting order. He also added that they respect the Australian line-up and are of the view that any of the top batsmen are capable of taking the game away from the opposition. But added that it all depends upon how they bowl tomorrow and he hoped that the bowlers would deliver the goods and restrict the Australians to a total of less than 300. He said “We have seen sides chasing 300 runs and getting it. However all depends upon how we lift our game to the situation – especially the bowling and fielding. Not only against Glen Maxwell, we have a game plan against all Australian batsmen, but all depends upon how we lift our game to execute our plans.” Mathews said that in previous encounters against Australia have done well at the Sydney Cricket Grounds, but, in tomorrow’s match none of it would matter. He said that it would be a new game and they are ready to take up the challenge. Speaking about spin friendly wickets at the SCG, Mathews said all would depend upon how the wicket would look tomorrow and how the Lankans are going execute their game plan. However the real Test begins from the quarter-final stages and they are prepared take them on a game-by-game ratio. Quarter – final matches: Quarter-final 1 – A1 v B4 |
