India Vs Sri Lanka test preview
July 22nd 2008 20:54
Sachin Tendulkar looks set to wreck more havoc for Sri Lanka
With another lifeless pitch set to greet Sri Lanka and India at the Sinhalese Sports Club for the series opener, and Mum Nature sure to play her miserable part over the five days, perhaps it's best we focus on the individuals involved and their potential takings, rather than merely glamourise what will in all likelihood end in a stalemate.
First up, there's history in the making in the form of Sachin Tendulkar's 18-year endeavour. The iconic Indian, already ODI cricket's leading run-scorer by a country mile, is just 172 runs shy of breaking the legendary Brian Lara's tally of 11953 Test runs.
Besides his destructive exploits against international whipping boys Zimbabwe and Bangladesh, it is against Sri Lanka that Tendulkar has cashed in the most. Kumar Sangakkara's warning of "Sachin's wicket is a prized possession" isn't so much a statement of the obvious than a timely reminder to his countrymen when you consider the 'little maestro' averages 69.10 over 19 matches against his upcoming opponents.
Adding further need for Tendulkar to fire is the absence of two major players in the Indian order: Mahendra Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh - the former resting, the latter 'rested', are both already sorely missed. The tourists' first-innings effort in their recent warm-up against the Sri Lanka Board XI showed they can be vulnerable without the star duo in their ranks.
It took Tendulkar and a rearguard approach from Dinesh Karthik to save them from an embarrassing tally, with rain eventually robbing the host team from a potential upset. Coach Gary Kirsten played down the shaky showing, saying "I read nothing into the performance," but he must be questioning the omission of Yuvraj, or for that matter, Mohammad Kaif.
On the visiting team's bowling front the return of Zaheer Khan is a major boost, with the never-improving Munaf Patel consequently resigned to manning the drinks trolley.
Couple the left-arm seamer's comeback with that of Anil Kumble's partner in spin, Harbhajan Singh, and once again the Indian attack sports an air of solidity. And it is here that they hold the upperhand over their opponents.
Given the Indian batting order's near unequalled prowess against spin bowling and Sri Lanka's experienced campaigners Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando sidelined for the time being, it will once again be Chaminda Vaas the hosts will look to for a large portion of the wickets.
Indeed, Muttiah Muralitharan will play his part as he always does but if relative rookies Thilan Thushara and Nuwan Kulasekera don't step up in support of veteran Vaas, we may witness some pretty impressive tallies from Tendulkar and company.
With Upul Tharanga out of favour and Mahela Udawatte confined to limited-overs selection, Malinda Warnapura carries on his quest to fill the massive void left by Test retiree Sanath Jayasuriya, with Michael Vandort's dogged approach providing the perfect foil.
In Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene the hosts boast a formidable partnership that forms the backbone of an impressive order. Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan and wicketkeeper-batsman Prasanna Jayawardene make up that intimidating top seven.
However, the batsmen aboved have under performed in recent years, especially against high quality opposition such as Australia and India.
In terms of batting overall, India seem to have much more verve when cast in tight situations. They have matchwinners all over their lineup headed by the legendary Tendulkar.
The added attention to this match comes courtesy the trial of the umpire decision review system which will see the fielding and batting sides allowed to challenge three unsuccessful appeals; the boisterous Muralitharan certain to milk the call for the third umpire for all its worth.
Regardless of the outcome, it should be some entertaining cricket. Both nations bring a plethora of swashbuckling batsmen and a couple of spinners each with enough skill to keep a result well on the cards.
If India are on song and keen to challenge Australia's mantle as the best side in the world, They must dispose of Sri Lanka in this test series, albeit in style or ugly fashion.
| 39 |
| Vote |
Shared on
Subscribe to this blog
