Sat, 26 Mar 2011 - Sri Lanka vs England, World Cup 2011, 4th Quarter Final Match - Preview

For Sri Lanka-one of the co-hosts of the tournament-the event has been a rollercoaster ride so far. While they have been ruthless in their victories particularly one against Kiwis played away from the home, they went down fighting to Pakistan in what was a closely fought encounter.

Dubbed as favourites before the start of the tournament, Sri Lanka’s real test will come at their favourite venue Premadasa when they take on England in the quarterfinal on Saturday.

Kumar Sangakkara led team has been very focused and motivated in the tournament so far with senior players leading from the front.

Legendary Muthaih Murlitharan virtually bowling on one leg against New Zealand in their last group match was a prime example of that and gave an ample indication that Lankan players are up for any challenge in this tournament.

England’s advance into the world cup makes for a thrilling Hollywood script. They have been abysmal at times and glorious at others. If defeat against minnows Bangladesh and Ireland were the bolt from the blue for the squad, their victories against mighty Proteas and England were the outcome of a never-to-say-die spirit.

More than performance part of it, England is fighting physical and mental fatigue for they have been playing non-stop cricket and away from their homes for six months. English side has had highest number of in injuries and consequently swaps for the injured men. It will be latest development that would worry England cricket administrators and team management the most as left arm spinner Michael Yardy left the squad citing depression reason for his exit.

Skipper Andrew Strauss and Coach Andy Flower will have a job on hands to make sure that Yardy’s untimely departure doesn’t affect the team and would want their side at their best mental and physical state to take on mighty Lankan s in their own den.

What would inspire English fans and management is the fact that England, for last two years or so, have played their best cricket when the side is on backfoot.

This augurs well for the cricket as a cracker of a game is expected at Premadasa with more than 30, 000 fans cheering for home team and hoping their side to take one more step towards cup glory.

Having said that, it will be Sri Lanka that will start as favourites for this all important game and what makes them so is that they play at home.

Sri Lanka

In batting department, it is the top four that are amongst the runs with skipper Sangakkara emerging as one of the highest run getters of the tournament so far.

Lower order batsmen haven’t set the world so far and if gets some early wickets it will be interesting how Angelo Mathews, Thilan Samaraweera and Chamara Silva react to that.

Bowling remains home team’s strongest area with likes of Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekra, Ajantha Mendis and Muthaih Murlitharan in the ranks.

There are some fears that Murli is yet to achieve his full fitness but team management is confident that he will take the field on Saturday.

Squad

Kumar Sangakara Capt & Wkt), Mahela Jayewardene, Tilkeratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapudegera, Chamara Silva, Thisara Perrera, Muthaih Murlitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekra, Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga

Coach: Trevor Bayliss

England

English batting performance has blown hot and cold in the tournament thus far with Strauss and Johnathan Trott only consistent performers. Other have looked good in patches but not able continue to put up a substantial score.

England will look to their inform players to put runs again on the board and would also want contributions from like of Ian Bell, Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara.

Injuries to most of their frontline bowlers has forced England to go back to second string attack with James Anderson and off spinner Graeme Swann only two guys with experience.

James Tredwell who won England the crucial game by his slow off spinners will try to repeat the show and cement his place in England setup.

Adil Rashid young leg spinner has been hurriedly drafted into the side after Yardy left the squad and it will be interesting if England management risk him in this mega game.

SQUAD

Andrew Strauss (Capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell Tim Bresnan Chris Tremellet, Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara , Eoin Morgan, Matt Prior (wk), Jade Dernbach, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell , Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright Adil Rashid

Coach: Andy Flower