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A specialist keeper a good idea in Kandy
By Aubrey Kuruppu
Sticking my neck out at the end of a truncated fourth day's play at Galle, there are only two results possible: a win for Sri Lanka or a draw. A win for England looks a tall order on a fifth day pitch, with Muralitharan expected to cast another spell over quality spin starved batsmen.

And so to Kandy, probably with honours shared. Jayawardena's overdue return to runs and form makes the Sri Lankan batting take on a much more formidable aspect. It may be a trifle sanguine to expect changes in the local team. However, this being a test of great, significance to the ultimate result, one gets the feeling that a specialist keeper may be a good idea. The preponderance of spinners, even with their tail-end heroics could get the nod ahead of the more experienced Hoggard.

Whatever the final combination Fletcher and Vaughan come up with, the crux of the mater is how well England's top six handle Muralitharan. Mind you, the English-tail has a fragile look in contrast to Sri Lanka's. It would do well to remember that in both innings at Galle, the last few batsmen helped swell the score to substantial proportions.

Giles, honest fire that he is, and Batty (just two test's old) don't quite add up even to half a Muralitharan. As stroke players, the Sri Lankans with their supple wrists, twinkling foot-work and penchant for shot-making are way ahead of their counterparts. The latter are more crease-tied and prone to defence, especially when up against the off-spinner.

Far from being purely academic, the state of the Asgiriya pitch will go some way towards determining the outcome of the match. It would be naive to expect a grassy track. By the same token, it would be grossly unfair to provide a pitch that turns square from day one. Traditionally, the Asgiriya track has been more batsmen friendly than the one in Galle. In consequence, both South Africa and England were able to resurrect their fortunes at Kandy after disastrous showings down south on easier tours.

Get ready then for another fascinating contest at the local Manchester. The good news for cricket-lovers is that Jupiter Pluvius seems to be relenting!

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