After three futile Test series against England, Australia and Pakistan, Sri Lanka will be desperately wishing to put an end to their dismal form in the traditional edition of the game when they take on South Africa in a three-match Test series.
Sri Lanka’s performance in Tests has not been satisfactory as in their past 14 matches the islanders have failed to capture the glory of victory. The recent incidents that have been occurring on and off the field may have had an effect on the team’s performance but lately it has come to a point where the team has to bank heavily on individual performances, which have been inadequate.
The only silver lining in Sri Lanka’s ailing batting line-up is the good form of former skipper Kumar Sangakkara during the Test series against Pakistan, whereas some of the leading batsmen who vowed to peak failed to even get their usual touch. Contributions from star batsman Mahela Jayawardene, skipper T.M. Dilshan and his deputy Angelo Mathews were scarce, as Pakistan sealed the three-match Test series at1-0. But Dilshan and Mathews were optimistic that Sri Lanka’s fortunes in Tests could face a complete change at Centurion when they take on South Africa in the first Test starting December 15.
“We obviously learn from our mistakes and we keep learning all the time. We also have to assess the conditions and try to be positive especially against South Africa on their home soil where it would be tough for any team. We all know that it’s not an easy tour and we must be mentally prepared and strong,” Mathews told the Sunday Times in Colombo, prior to the team’s departure to South Africa.
Skipper Dilshan was confident that his side, dominated by youngsters, could end the bad patch they are experiencing with the assistance of the seniors, which includes him as well. However, Dilshan said a lot of faults have already been attended to.
“Unfortunately as seniors we couldn’t get the best out of the youngsters, who are talented. That is one of the key elements we understood from our previous tours, especially against Pakistan. One of our setbacks against Pakistan was the spin department; surprisingly Pakistan was better than us. But in South Africa it will be a battle among the seamers. The boys are optimistic and they have rectified their mistakes which caused us a series loss in the Middle East. The tour of South Africa will be an ideal platform to put an end to all our woes on the field and regain (our) status as a formidable Test side,” Dilshan told reporters on Monday.
Wicketkeeper/ batsman Prasanna Jayawardene was ruled out of the series against South Africa due to an injury, while at the eleventh hour fast bowler Suranga Lakmal too had to withdraw due to an ankle injury. Earlier on, seamers Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Kulasekara and Dhammika Prasad were not considered for selection as they were nursing injuries. Sri Lanka’s anchor batsman Mahela Jayawardene too sustained an injury during the ODI series against Pakistan and had to fly back to Sri Lanka while the tour was still on. But Jayawardene was proven fit for the tour, while middle-order batsman Thilan Samaraweera, who was not even named for the tour originally, was recalled after two tours.
Sri Lanka has three young openers:Tharanga Paranavitana, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dimuth Karunaratne. But the batting line-up is tipped to face a major change with skipper Dilshan deciding to move back to the opener’s slot. Apart from Jayawardene and Sangakkara who are dependable, Sri Lanka will have choices among Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Mathews and Samaraweera to bolster the middle order. Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis have been included as spinners while Chanaka Welegedara, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep and all-rounder Thissara Perera make up the fast bowlers.
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| Sri Lanka cricketers before their departure to South Africa. Pictures by Hasitha Kulasekera. |
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| Lanka skipper T.M.Dilshan is blessed by the prelate. |
“I’ve decided to switch back as an opener. I can’t say that it was a bad decision playing in the middle order, where I used to play for many years and score heavily before moving up the order. An international batsman should be prepared to play at any position. My intention to open the batting again is to give the youngsters confidence and put some runs on the board so others who follow will not feel the pressure. Apart from that, there are no big changes in the squad. The inclusion of Thilan Samaraweera and spinner Ajantha Mendis is a big boost to the team. Overall the team is well balanced to compete against South Africa,” Dilshan added.
Interestingly Sri Lanka has never won a Test match against South Africa away. The home team is expected to use all their artillery against the visiting islanders. So far both countries have met in 17 Tests and South Africa has won eight out of them. Sri Lanka has won four Tests – all in home venues, while five games have ended in draws since the first series in 1993. Sri Lanka has lost four Test series, three in South Africa and one in Sri Lanka while winning two series on home soil. The last time Sri Lanka hosted South Africa, the home team won both Tests, winning the series 2-0 in 2006. Sri Lanka will play three Tests and five One-Day Internationals (ODI).
Sri Lanka Test squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (Captain), Angelo Mathews (Vice Captain), Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thilan Samaraweera, Chanaka Welegedara, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Thissara Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath. |
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