Srilanka
The Lankans led by Mahela Jayawardene are next on my list.
A comprehensive defeat in the recent series against India is the build up for this team as the World cup draws nearer. Not ideal, one could say. The morale and self-confidence within the team couldn't be too high at the moment. The only solace lies in the fact that Vaas and Murali, the core of their bowling attack were not playing in India. However I do not think that will change their fortunes too much in World Cup.
The sad thing with this team is that they are still totally dependent on their old warhorses to win matches. Sanath,Vaas,Murali,Atapattu,Jayawardene, and Arnold were all part of their triumph in 1996 when they took the world by storm. In the current team the only match winner apart from these players is Kumar Sangakarra. This stylish left hander is a shining star in their batting line up. But consistency has always been his problem. He never really looks out of form but often throws his wicket away by being over ambitious and reckless. Srilanka will be well served if he can put a price on his wicket and play more responsibly. There are other youngsters such as the dashing Upul Tharanga and the impressive Chamara Silva who are undoubtedly very talented but are yet to cement their places in the team.
Their bowling department is a cause for concern. Apart from Vaas and Murali nobody else poses a serious threat either by way of wicket taking or in being miserly. Maharoof who recently opened the bowling in India was extremely wayward and looked to have completely lost his rhythm. Malinga, their fast man seems to trying more things with his hair than with his bowling, and he gives away too many free hits. Fernando is one person who has promised a lot over the years and when in good rhythm (which is rare) he does pose a threat to the batsmen. He bowls one of the best slower deliveries in the world which is extremely difficult to pick up. Malinga Bandara is their other spin option who is more of a restrictive type of bowler than a wicket taker. Ofcourse there is always the wily Jayasuriya who goes through his overs extremely quickly and can be useful in the middle overs.
A matter of serious thought is the Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene. A tremendously gifted batsman who is facing a serious lack of form at the moment. He has gone through these troughs before and Srilanka will hope he regains form which could be crucial to their chances. If not his captaincy could also be affected and this will put a lot of pressure on the team.
Final Word:
Fireworks from one of the most destructive players in world cricket, for whom this world cup will be a swansong..yes the one and only Sanath Jayasuriya. But can he win the world cup for them once again....I dont think so.
Final Word:
A comprehensive defeat in the recent series against India is the build up for this team as the World cup draws nearer. Not ideal, one could say. The morale and self-confidence within the team couldn't be too high at the moment. The only solace lies in the fact that Vaas and Murali, the core of their bowling attack were not playing in India. However I do not think that will change their fortunes too much in World Cup.
The sad thing with this team is that they are still totally dependent on their old warhorses to win matches. Sanath,Vaas,Murali,Atapattu,Jayawardene, and Arnold were all part of their triumph in 1996 when they took the world by storm. In the current team the only match winner apart from these players is Kumar Sangakarra. This stylish left hander is a shining star in their batting line up. But consistency has always been his problem. He never really looks out of form but often throws his wicket away by being over ambitious and reckless. Srilanka will be well served if he can put a price on his wicket and play more responsibly. There are other youngsters such as the dashing Upul Tharanga and the impressive Chamara Silva who are undoubtedly very talented but are yet to cement their places in the team.
Their bowling department is a cause for concern. Apart from Vaas and Murali nobody else poses a serious threat either by way of wicket taking or in being miserly. Maharoof who recently opened the bowling in India was extremely wayward and looked to have completely lost his rhythm. Malinga, their fast man seems to trying more things with his hair than with his bowling, and he gives away too many free hits. Fernando is one person who has promised a lot over the years and when in good rhythm (which is rare) he does pose a threat to the batsmen. He bowls one of the best slower deliveries in the world which is extremely difficult to pick up. Malinga Bandara is their other spin option who is more of a restrictive type of bowler than a wicket taker. Ofcourse there is always the wily Jayasuriya who goes through his overs extremely quickly and can be useful in the middle overs.
A matter of serious thought is the Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene. A tremendously gifted batsman who is facing a serious lack of form at the moment. He has gone through these troughs before and Srilanka will hope he regains form which could be crucial to their chances. If not his captaincy could also be affected and this will put a lot of pressure on the team.
Final Word:
Fireworks from one of the most destructive players in world cricket, for whom this world cup will be a swansong..yes the one and only Sanath Jayasuriya. But can he win the world cup for them once again....I dont think so.
Final Word:
posted by Raj at 6:15 pm
1 Comments:
I dono, I some how don like the look of this lankan team. Unless if Jayasuriya or Sangakkara clicks they will not be able to make match out of anything. The other team that one WC had Aravinda and Arjuna...these two were great players in their own might, I somehow think they lack the solidarity in the middle order. In one word not very impressive. I will be surprised if these words will come back to haunt me.
Post a Comment
<< Home