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Build on the bowlers
"Bowlers win matches" is a common phrase in the game. Its simple meaning is that a team has to dismiss twenty of the opposition batsmen (in a long game) to win a match. Unless there is a declaration in the first innings.

Most teams that have enjoyed success over a continuous period of time have had four front line bowlers. The difference between batsmen and bowlers is that some of the batsmen can score runs in an innings and the team prosper with bowling, all the frontliners have to bowl well. They-be a bad spell or two can be covered up over a day, but then a comeback must be made.

The best example of this factor was the performance of the Australian bowling quartet on their tour to the island in March this year. Their attack comprised of Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz, Shane Warne, doing the bulk of the bowling. Stuart McGill (two tests) and Brand Williams (one test) filled in the fourth slot.

On the opposite side of the scale the South Africans on this current tour have only one penetrative bowler. That's Shaun Pollock. The other frontliners Ntini, Kallis and Boje have not been able to adapt to the conditions. Even though the pitches have assisted the spinners Nicky Boje has bowled defensively. He has only picked-up wickets when the batsmen were going after him in search of quick runs and throwing their wickets away.

The Sri Lankans have to build a quartet of bowlers who can trouble the best of batsmen in the world. "Horses for courses" is another common phrase when talking of selections. The bowlers will have to be divided into two categories. Bowlers for tests at home and bowlers for tests away. These days India and Pakistan too are preparing pitches to give some assistance to the quicker bowlers. This means the faster men are going to be required, to be fit and in good bowling form for the games overseas.

In the foreseeable future Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan will continue to occupy two of the bowling slots. In home conditions spinners will be at the forefront. Rangana Herath must be encouraged and given more opportunities. He could fill a bowling berth. Upul Chandana has been hot and cold throughout his career and the selectors have treated him in that fashion too. Kaushal Lokuarachchi has been provided with an introduction to international cricket. He was impressive on the recent 'A' team tour to England. Unquestionably he has the ability. To nurture this ability and develop him into a quality leg spinning product is the next step.

There are support spinners in Jayasuriya, Samaraweera and Dilshan. All three are capable to picking up wickets, with Jayasuriya standing out. That is an adequate variety of spin bowlers to work with. The fast men are competing for berths to keep Chaminda Vaas company. This is healthy and promising for the tours away. Nuwan Zoysa, Lasitha Malinga, Fervez Mahroof and Dilhara Fernando are the main contenders. They must be rotated and used wisely. Above all they have to stay fit and have adequate match bowling. This has to be done through lead-up games, 'A' team games and domestic games. The most must be made of all these opportunities.

Over the past nine months these bowlers have developed. Build on them, to ensure that there are four match winners for all surfaces and conditions.

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