Sri Lanka have been perennially effective battlers in one-day cricket since their storming victory at the 1996 World Cup - but despite reaching a number of ICC finals, the elusive big trophy (their joint effort with India in 2002 doesn't really count) has been just out of grasp.
Innovative opener Tillakaratne Dilshan is ready to "Dilscoop" the ball over the keeper's head while Sanath Jayasuriya continues to blast away at the other end despite reaching the age of 40. Together with new captain Kumar Sangakkara and his predecessor Mahela Jayawardene, they have arguably the best top four in the world.
Sri Lanka also have a tradition of uncovering unorthodox but eye-catchingly effective bowlers - with "carrom-ball" spinner Ajantha Mendis operating alongside veteran Muttiah Muralitharan, while Lasith "The Slinger" Malinga is close to unplayable on his day.
Age is not on the side of some of their star players, but if they can find a few more like Angelo Mathews - a powerful hitter, accurate seam bowler and sensational fielder - they have cause for optimism.
Six hitters: Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Jehan Mubarak
Death bowler extraordinaire: Muttiah Muralitharan
Toe-cruncher: Lasith Malinga
Best fielder: Tillakaratne Dilshan
Who are you?: Dammika Prasad (Promising seamer with five one-day matches back after a back injury)
Squad: Kumar Sangakkara (capt), Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilina Kandamby, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dammika Prasad, Lasith Malinga
No comments:
Post a Comment