|
The Tour of the Unknowns : Australia in
Sri Lanka 2004
By Venkat
Sri Lanka, supposedly and surprisingly
an unknown territory for the 'World-Conquerors' Australia, plays
host to one of their most important cricket series of the year. As
the Aussies embark on the first leg of this tour, the ODI Series,
cricketfundas.com gives you some rather interesting and vital facts
which will play an important role in the outcome of this series.
The Aussies, haven't lost a single
series since they were knocked out of the ICC Champions Trophy by
the very side that will lock horns with them yet again in a keenly
contested ODI series. There are 5 matches (including 3 day-nighters)
to be played at Dambulla and Colombo (Premadasa and SSC). The
Aussies will set their eyes on yet another glorious trophy to adorn
their cabinet, while the Lankans, who have always been the nemesis
for the World Champs will try to put a heavy resistance against
them.
Pitches :- The pitches in Sri
Lanka will be a very crucial and deciding factor in the results that
these sides may achieve. The weather will be blazing hot in all the
match centres and the pitches should be a batsman's paradise and
will turn steeply as the game progresses. As for the day and night
matches, the Aussies should expect something close to MCG, where it
does a bit early on after the lights have been switched on. Dambulla,
traditionally a green wicket, will keep the Aussie bowlers
interested, while Premadasa and SSC are pitches with slow and steep
turn respectively. The dew factor could come up in the 3 day and
night matches to be played.
Tactical Analysis :- The
Aussies will be extremely confident, especially after hammering
India in the recently concluded VB series, but at the same time
careful enough to respect the sub-continental conditions. Gilchrist
and Hayden will hold the key for Australia, as the rest to follow
could be rusty against some vicious spin bowling by the Lankans -
which means a good start whenever they go is imperative. For Sri
Lanka, its their batting that has won them games recently. Their
most recent result against Australia was by amassing a whooping 343
at Sydney. To comfort them, they are not bad chasers....the example
of the World Cup finals of 1996 is self explanatory. Except for the
two Dambulla games, where putting runs on the board is important,
the toss in this part of the world shouldn't be a major influencing
factor. A key factor here is that it is SRI LANKA who have got the
better of AUSTRALIA in the games that mattered.
Squad Analysis :- This
Australian team, is well settled and function in a unit, where each
player plays for the other. Slow bowlers like Brad Hogg ,Ian Harvey
and Andrew Symonds will be one of the key factors in the success of
the Aussies. Damien Martyn needs to prove himself and his critics
wrong by some stellar performances, as his place in the side could
be in big question if he fails this time around too. The Sri Lankan
side, has groomed well under the partnership of coach John Dyson
and Marvan Atapattu (the Sri Lankan ODI Skipper). But, one thing Sri
Lanka lack is experience, which could be a major factor in the
overall result. Having said that, it gives some youngsters like
Samanth Jayantha, who has consistently performed well for the Sri
Lanka A team and Kausal Lokuarachchi, who is back from a ban after
an unfortunate driving accident involving him. Russel Arnold and
Nuwan Zoysa have been recalled, to instill some experience into the
side but they are living in the edge of the sword as poor
performance in this series could hamper their future career
progress. Muttiah Muralitharan, the Wizard of Off Spin, could be a
major force as a part of the Lankan resistance and Chaminda Vaas,
who is bowling at his peak should create a problem or two in the
minds of the Aussies.
Statistics : - If at all any
team troubles Australia in the One Dayers, its got to be the Lankan
lions. Its their home record of 9 wins (2 No Results) off 14 games
with a good success rate of 75 % that has been the most impressive.
But, they need to improve their all time record of 15 wins from 50
matches to be anywhere close to where the Aussies are at the moment.
All in all, a good series of Limited
Overs Cricket....The Aussies, should not take this Sri Lankan side
easily, as they are bound to spring a surprise or two. I hope, it
ends up in a tight dog fight and not in a one-sided domination,
which will affect cricket in Sri Lanka by much.
|
