Present attack is better

Sri Lanka’s World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunge sees the 2007 bowling attack as being better than the one he possessed in 1996. He said “In 1996 we did not have match winning bowlers, but, they were a really committed and a disciplined lot.

However in this tournament they have the services of two world class bowlers in Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas. With Lasith Malinga joining those two, they have a combination of three match winning bowlers.

When asked what his comments were about the overall chances of the team Ranatunge said “This year we are in with a great chance of making it. We only have to discipline ourselves; stick to plan and have total commitment, then our aim will be possible.

“In 1996 our whole team had it in us. We were committed and we worked on one goal” said the former national captain.

Meanwhile Ana Punchihewa who set the Lankan cricket administration ball rolling just prior to their win in 1996 and a person who is held in high esteem regarding this sees the 2007 as a year of opportunity. He said “We have one of the best set of seniors in Sanath, Marvan, Vaas and Murali in this year’s tournament too.

“Where chances are concerned we see the Australians are on the decline while the other top team South Africa too has a history of choking in the semi-finals. As I see it all three subcontinent teams – India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka- with a chance of making it to the semi-finals. From there if Sri Lanka could make it to the final it would be good and if they could complete their mission by winning the World Cup it would really great”.

However the former Lankan Cricket Chief sees our chances at its best in the World Cup 2011 when the tournament comes home.
Punchihewa added “By this time Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara would be senior citizens while the rest of the youngsters would also be senior hands, when playing the World Cup tournament in our own back yard. So I would be very confident in backing Sri Lanka for that tournament more than the pending one”.

The former national captain Ranjan Madugalle sees the issue differently. Madugalle said “There are six to seven teams with an equal chance this year as opposed to a clear favourite”.

Present attack is better – Arjuna