Lankans looking to win Test and series

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE reporting

The Sinhalese Sports Club has proved a lucky playing field for the Sri Lankans who will be determined to maintain that superiority when they meet Pakistan in the Second of Three Tests starting today at 10.a.m.

The Lankans last lost a Test there in 2004 and since have played and won six of their last 11 Tests.

Led admirably by Skipper Mahela Jayawardena, the Lankans outplayed the Pakistanis in Galle and will mount an all out assault on the opponents in an endeavour to wrap up the game and win the Test series like they did the One-day series.

The Pakistanis showed that their cricket was on the up and up, after victories against Sri Lanka and England in desert country must be hurt after their trouncing in Galle and are sure to fire all cylinders looking for a win to square the series and then leaving the decider for Pallekelle.

Captain returns

The return of regular skipper Misbah Ul-Haq will certainly inspire the Pakistanis. They missed his calming influence and who also would have been a steadying influence in batting.

The Pakistani batsmen put up a better batting effort in the second innings led by the experienced Younus Khan and young Asad Shafiq and will be looking for runs from Mohammed Hafeez and the captain.

As for the bowling, they will be relying on the best off spinner in world cricket, Saeed Ajmal to work his magic and skittle the Lankans like he did in the desert.

He was not his usual self in Galle. But if the wicket favours spin and if the Lankans have to bat last, he could be a difficult and dangerous customer with his many varieties of spin.

Without luck

Their other spinners Mohamed Hafeez and left armer Abdur Rehman worked hard and bowled tantalizingly, but had no luck. The Lankan batsmen must be wary of Ajmal, Hafeez and Rehman.

The Pakistanis must raise the level of their fielding, both in the air and on the ground. They have been a shame in this aspect and a much improved effort is expected in this Test.

As for the Lankans, they will exude confidence after their great show in Galle. But they will do well not to be complacent, because complacency has gone to destroy many a team.

With his inspiring leadership Jayawardena, will have his men on their toes and will not let them relax, be urge them to perform at maximum until the final ball is bowled and victory achieved.

Winning combination

Sri Lanka is not likely to change their winning combination. But the men selecting the final eleven will do so after looking at the wicket and the conditions.

Once again Tillekeratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, the two Jayawardena’s Mahela and Prasanna must make it their business to run up big scores. Tharanga Paranavitarne and Angelo Matthews must also contribute.

Paranavitarne has the habit of getting his eye in and when seemed set for a big innings, throws it away with an irresponsible stroke. He should bat with determination in this Test make a big score and cement his place in the team.

As for the bowlers Kulasekekera is hard worker with the new ball. He moves it both ways and the batsmen are kept guessing. His partner Nuwan Pradeep has speed and must vary his deliveries. Again the spin attack will be in the capable hands of left arm spinner Rangana Hearth and off spinner Suraj Randiv. Both bowled beautifully in Galle and will be looking to continue the good work.

The teams will be looking for mistake free umpiring in this Test. Let not the losing team blame poor umpiring for losing.