Sri Lanka aim to draw series (Preview)

It is not often cricketers vie for rain. But when teams have their backs to the wall, a wish for heavens to open is always there. Same was the case in the second test at Kandy. The home team was on the backfoot throughout the match after getting bowled out for paltry 174 in the first innings followed by super batting show from Australia and it needed some intervention from weather gods to save them from the defeat. Australia were breathing down their neck after Sri Lanka had conceded a huge first innings lead but rain interrupted many a time during the match to help the host secure a draw. To their credit, Lankan batsmen did put up some resolute effort second time around denying the visitors a victory.

Courtesy defiant batting show in second innings and inclement weather, Sri Lanka can go into third test with a hope to draw level the series they trail by 0-1. Not only the draw but performance of their batters in the second innings should boost the confidence of the hosts who look a unsettled ever since legendary Muthaih Muralitharan has called it quits and Kumar Sangakkara relinquished his captaincy post. His successor Tillakaratne Dilshan is yet to assert himself as skipper, and, at times, looks short of ideas on the field.

It is no secret Sri Lanka look a less potent bowling unit post Murali and Lasith Malinga retirement. And, injury to mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis hasn’t helped either. Mendis who missed the first two tests is yet to recover from the back injury which would he won’t be available in the final test as well. The two fast bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Chanaka Welegedera haven’t done that badly but lack venom to run through the Aussies. Dilshan has received welcome news before the third test though. Left arm spinner Rangana Herath who missed second test has been declared fit and in all likelihood will be back in side to replace leg spinner Seekkuge Prasanna. Prasanna had a poor debut game in Kandy going wicketless in 23 overs.

The batting effort is also a concern. Despite a star studded lineup, save for second innings of Kandy test, batsmen haven’t set world on fire and have contributed a great deal towards team’s poor show in the series so far. Dilshan hasn’t been able to lead from the front, his partner Tharanaga Paravartana has thrown good starts away and Thilan Samaraweera and wicketkeeper batsman Prasana Jayawerdena have failed miserably. The senior pros Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawerdena have played a couple good knocks and need support from others to shore up Lankan batting performance.

For Dilshan’s men to draw level the series, they need solid performances from all three departments to get past hungry and a well oiled Australian side, admirably led by Micheal Clarke.

The tourists after winning the ODI series look very much focused on doing their job in test series as well. They trounced Sri Lanka on a tricky Galle pitch and would have sealed the series had weather gods not intervened. For Aussies, Mr. Cricket has hit his best form on the tour following his masterful 95 in the first test with a classy hundred in the second. In Ricky Ponting’s absence, who flew to Australia to attend his pregnant wife, Shaun Marsh stepped to the plate to secure himself a dream debut and perhaps a place in Australian test lineup. His debut hundred means either Philip Hughes or Usman Khawaja will have to be dispensed with in order to accommodate Ponting.  Most of the batters look in a great touch barring Brad Haddin who has hardly scored a run on the tour.

In bowling, tourists have been a revelation despite having an inexperienced attack. Ryan Harris has taken wickets regularly, new kid Trent Copeland hasn’t given anything away and Mitchell Johnson has also chipped in with few wickets to make life difficult for the home team batsmen. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon had impressed one and all with his temperament, loop and accuracy.

Ahead of the game, Australia are facing an injury scare. Harris, the highest wicket taker in the series so far, has pulled up his hamstring and is doubtful starter. Should he not make it to the required fitness, Peter Siddle or James Pattinson will slot in his place.

With home team one down in the series, a seesaw battle between the two sides is on cards. Dilshan and his boys will put behind the poor performances and look to give their best in their pursuit to score one in their favour. The visitors will feel, kind of form they are in, they have a chance to win their third test series on a trot in the Island nation. All this will count if rain stays away. The weather forecast in Colombo isn’t that great in next five days or so.

Sri Lanka Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (C), Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Angelo Mathews, Suraj Randiv, Suranga Lakmal, Chanaka Welegedera, Dhammika Prasad, Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath.

Australia Squad: Shane Watson, Phillip Hughes, Ricky Ponting, Micheal Beer, Michael Clarke (C), Michael Hussey, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Trent Copeland, Nathan Lyon, Peter Siddle