ISSN: 1391 - 0531
Sunday January 13, 2008
Vol. 42 - No 33
Sports

In preparation for the Aussie tour

The inter-provincial tournament, in terms of match practice has been good preparation for the next assignment of the Sri Lankan players – an ODI series in Australia. India completes the trio of teams that will participate. Of course there is a major crisis after the second test match, with the Indians threatening to pull out of the tour. Anticipating that the issues concerned are sorted out, Sri Lanka will have to be in form to tackle both Australia and India.

India will have an advantage over Sri Lanka as most of their players would have the benefit of a four test series preceding the ODI’s. That would give them a lot of practice on Aussie surfaces. It is so helpful as conditions down under are so unfamiliar to players from the sub-continent. They also vary from state to state as the distances in-between are so vast.

The provincial tournament has done much to push the players to perform at their best. The competition has been fierce, playing surfaces and ground conditions have been satisfactory and media attention has been greater than for any domestic tournament. All of that helps the cricketers to lift their game.

In-form Kumar Sangakkara has led his Kandurata outfit admirably

‘Mas Kandurata’ have looked to be the best equipped outfit in the early games having won three out of three. They are a blend of youth and experience. Also, they are well served in all departments of the game. Their batting experience works around Kumar Sangakkara, Sajith Fernando and Thilan Samaraweera, while youngsters Tharanga Paranavithana and Chamara Kapugedara make up the top five positions.

Where they have had a distinct advantage over the other teams have been in the middle order, allround strength. Chintaka Jayasinghe, Thilina Thushara Mirando and Kaushalya Weeraratne, have been rock solid. They have contributed with the bat and all three players are capable of scoring runs quickly. They have also played their part as bowlers, taking wickets and also being economical. The selectors must look at the three of them very seriously when they pick the team for Australia. In the spin department Muttiah Muralitharan and young Suraj Mohamed, deliver their off breaks. One, the greatest and the other being the apprentice. Fast improving paceman Akalanka Ganegama completes the attack.

‘Lanka Bell Wayamba’ – not unbeaten, seem to fit into the position as the second strongest team. The two teams from the west, ‘Ewis Basnahira North’ and ‘Lexmark Basnahira South’ have not been consistent in their performances, being hot and cold. ‘Hirdaramani Ruhuna’ have been occupying the rear of the table. They have in their ranks two top opening batsmen in Captain Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga and opening bowlers Lasith Malinga and Sujeeva de Silva. Yet, they have been impressive as a team. Should this tournament in the future, be able to produce five teams possessing the same strength as the Kandurata team, then a really top class competition could be witnessed.

For Australia, the established seniors will obviously be on the plane. Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, form that group. T.M. Dilshan, Upul Tharanga are in a frame as batsmen while Farveez Maharoof, should be fit (one hundred percent) should also make the cut.

This still leaves room for a few more to find their way in. The selectors will have to look for some experience and for players who have performed in domestic cricket to be in the squad. All departments - batting, pace and spin bowling and all-rounders who can fit into the one day format will have this opportunity.

Meanwhile for those not selected there is premier division and second division club tournaments to make their mark and stake a claim for the future. It will be a season where there are no ‘A’ team tours, home or away and that should produce some competitive cricket.

Meanwhile those selected must practise on pitches that have pace and bounce on them. Conditions can be simulated with some of the local pitches to come reasonably close to Aussie conditions. Preparation is vital as this is going to be a demanding tour.

 
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