Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) saved the BCCI from incurring huge financial losses by agreeing to send the Sri Lankan Cricket team to tour India on very short notice after the West Indies Cricket team, that was on tour in India for 5 One Day Internationals (ODI), 3 Tests and a lone T20 International, abruptly called off their tour after the 4th ODI owing to a three way dispute involving the West Indies Cricket team, the West Indies Players Association (WIPA) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) over the payment of wages to the players. In exchange for the SCL’s gesture, the BCCI has agreed to send the Indian team for a tour of Sri Lanka in July next year. The series, consisting of 5ODIs, begins on 2nd November in Cuttack, Orissa. The touring party also played a practice game which they lost by a relatively large margin of 88 runs.
While the BCCI was overwhelmed by the SLC’s compliance, this development was neither welcomed by the Sri Lankan team’s management, nor by cricket enthusiasts all over the world, as this last minute announcement caused the abrupt ending of the intense fitness program that the Sri Lankan team was undergoing as a part of their preparations for the 50 over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, early next year. Also, this tour leaves both Sri Lanka and India with virtually no time to prepare for the important series against England and Australia respectively, scheduled next month. Thus, the managers of both teams have rested key players to keep them fit, healthy and fresh for the more important matches the next month.
While the BCCI was overwhelmed by the SLC’s compliance, this development was neither welcomed by the Sri Lankan team’s management, nor by cricket enthusiasts all over the world, as this last minute announcement caused the abrupt ending of the intense fitness program that the Sri Lankan team was undergoing as a part of their preparations for the 50 over World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, early next year. Also, this tour leaves both Sri Lanka and India with virtually no time to prepare for the important series against England and Australia respectively, scheduled next month. Thus, the managers of both teams have rested key players to keep them fit, healthy and fresh for the more important matches the next month.
Looking at this series from an optimistic point of view, it will help the fringe players of both teams to showcase their talents and try to cement their place in their respective teams. Also, this competition will give the selectors a better idea of the combinations they can go ahead with for the World Cup. Here is an analysis of both the squads selected for this series-
INDIA- The big news from the Indian camp is that Virat Kohli will lead the side for this series (at least the first 3 ODIs) in place of MS Dhoni who has been given a break. Kohli, who came back into form in the last 2 ODIs against West Indies with a half century and a century after a horrid tour of England, will want to find consistency with the bat. There is no other major change as far as batting is concerned, with Wriddhiman Saha coming in as the stand in wicket keeper. The bowling however, sees new faces with Dhawal Kulkarni (coming in place of the injured Shami) to join the pace trio of Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron. In the spin department, R Ashwin, who had suspiciously been rested for the series against West Indies, is back to the side. Young pacer, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has also been rested. With exceptional performances in the practice game, Rohit Sharma, Manish Pandey and Karan Sharma have caught the the selectors’ attention and may be included in the side for the final 2 ODIs.
SRI LANKA- Captain Angelo Matthews admitted that the Sri Lankan team was ill prepared for this tour and it showed in the practice game against India, where they were leaked 381 runs and eventually lost the game. Their batting looks more or less stable with veterans Sangakkara, Dilshan and Jayawardene at the top of the order and Matthews and Thisara Perera in the middle order. Young Chaturanga De Silva has also been included in the squad. Their bowling however looks toothless without star Lasith Malinga in the pace department and Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis in the spin department. While both the spinners have been rested, Malinga has just had an ankle surgery and might be fit only just in time for the World Cup. Thus, in search of an appropriate pace combination, the selectors have brought in Lahiru Gamage who has an impressive list A record with 90 wickets.
While India starts as favorites, they should not underestimate the depleted Sri Lankan side because they have a lot of new, unknown players whose potentials are yet to be discovered. Hoping for a competitive series between the two friendly nations…..
DVS
INDIA- The big news from the Indian camp is that Virat Kohli will lead the side for this series (at least the first 3 ODIs) in place of MS Dhoni who has been given a break. Kohli, who came back into form in the last 2 ODIs against West Indies with a half century and a century after a horrid tour of England, will want to find consistency with the bat. There is no other major change as far as batting is concerned, with Wriddhiman Saha coming in as the stand in wicket keeper. The bowling however, sees new faces with Dhawal Kulkarni (coming in place of the injured Shami) to join the pace trio of Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Varun Aaron. In the spin department, R Ashwin, who had suspiciously been rested for the series against West Indies, is back to the side. Young pacer, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has also been rested. With exceptional performances in the practice game, Rohit Sharma, Manish Pandey and Karan Sharma have caught the the selectors’ attention and may be included in the side for the final 2 ODIs.
SRI LANKA- Captain Angelo Matthews admitted that the Sri Lankan team was ill prepared for this tour and it showed in the practice game against India, where they were leaked 381 runs and eventually lost the game. Their batting looks more or less stable with veterans Sangakkara, Dilshan and Jayawardene at the top of the order and Matthews and Thisara Perera in the middle order. Young Chaturanga De Silva has also been included in the squad. Their bowling however looks toothless without star Lasith Malinga in the pace department and Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis in the spin department. While both the spinners have been rested, Malinga has just had an ankle surgery and might be fit only just in time for the World Cup. Thus, in search of an appropriate pace combination, the selectors have brought in Lahiru Gamage who has an impressive list A record with 90 wickets.
While India starts as favorites, they should not underestimate the depleted Sri Lankan side because they have a lot of new, unknown players whose potentials are yet to be discovered. Hoping for a competitive series between the two friendly nations…..
DVS