Lankan Bowling
Muralidharan will be the bigger threat than anyone else. Mendis has got great first class record and is now a hot property due to his exploits in shorter version of the game. But his success in Test cricket remains to be seen. Their pace attack seems lacking some sting now because of the absence of Lasith Malinga. He adds some X-factor to the bowling attack. In Chaminda Vaas they have consistent and reliable opening bowler.
Lankan Batting
Everyone is talking about Murali and Mendis’s potential threat. But Indian team also has to content with strong Lankan batting line-up. Srilankan current batting line-up reminds me something of Indian batting lineup of 2002-03. The similarities are both were looking to settle into a nice batting lineup, their regular success in overseas and their self-belief. They may not be in same class as Indians. In Sangakkara and Jayawardene they have two class batsmen. Jayawardene averages 51.93, Sangakkara 55.19 and Samaraweera 41.98.
Indian Batting
After the Windies tour of 2006 India’s batting fortunes hinges more on collective effort than individual brilliances. They struck regular partnerships which are crucial to build good total. As of late Indian batsmen found wanting against quality spinners and also on slow turning tracks. Srilanka presents both these challenges combined
Indian Bowling
Indian pace bowlers seem to do well in helpful conditions. It also requires some skill. But they found wanting in unhelpful tracks. I hope Zaheer’s presence would help in that regard. I also got a feeling that Anil Kumble and Harbhajan has become less effective in familiar conditions. But both Kumble and Bhajji are fighters. That should help India.
Other Factors
Skills wise India may be on descending because of most of its players are nearing the end of the career and Lankans are on ascending. In recent years India has become a team which depends more on collective effort. Besides batting and bowling catching is also a vital aspect. Though Indian players may not be brilliant in ground fielding they are better catching side. It will be Indians experience and their urge to have one more shot at glory versus Lankans home advantage and their desire of wanting to excel.
Muralidharan will be the bigger threat than anyone else. Mendis has got great first class record and is now a hot property due to his exploits in shorter version of the game. But his success in Test cricket remains to be seen. Their pace attack seems lacking some sting now because of the absence of Lasith Malinga. He adds some X-factor to the bowling attack. In Chaminda Vaas they have consistent and reliable opening bowler.
Lankan Batting
Everyone is talking about Murali and Mendis’s potential threat. But Indian team also has to content with strong Lankan batting line-up. Srilankan current batting line-up reminds me something of Indian batting lineup of 2002-03. The similarities are both were looking to settle into a nice batting lineup, their regular success in overseas and their self-belief. They may not be in same class as Indians. In Sangakkara and Jayawardene they have two class batsmen. Jayawardene averages 51.93, Sangakkara 55.19 and Samaraweera 41.98.
Indian Batting
After the Windies tour of 2006 India’s batting fortunes hinges more on collective effort than individual brilliances. They struck regular partnerships which are crucial to build good total. As of late Indian batsmen found wanting against quality spinners and also on slow turning tracks. Srilanka presents both these challenges combined
Indian Bowling
Indian pace bowlers seem to do well in helpful conditions. It also requires some skill. But they found wanting in unhelpful tracks. I hope Zaheer’s presence would help in that regard. I also got a feeling that Anil Kumble and Harbhajan has become less effective in familiar conditions. But both Kumble and Bhajji are fighters. That should help India.
Other Factors
Skills wise India may be on descending because of most of its players are nearing the end of the career and Lankans are on ascending. In recent years India has become a team which depends more on collective effort. Besides batting and bowling catching is also a vital aspect. Though Indian players may not be brilliant in ground fielding they are better catching side. It will be Indians experience and their urge to have one more shot at glory versus Lankans home advantage and their desire of wanting to excel.
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