All eyes on Indian batsmen as ODI series begins
Posted on Aug 17, 2008 at 19:30 | Updated Aug 18, 2008 at 08:51
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Dambulla: On a clear day you can always see the silhouette of the famed world heritage site Sigiriya Rock from Rangiri Stadium.
That is when its shape stands out as a yellow-grey edifice from the Dambulla Plains, all of which suggests that the wind is brisk and from the east across the lake next to the venue.
It's usually good news for spinners or medium pace bowlers on a pitch likely to be shorn of grass before the start of play and where there is a legacy of low scores.
Maybe this has prompted both captains to come up with a suggestion that five frontline bowlers are likely to be included in the Indian and Sri Lankan squads for the opening game of a five-match series, although it could always be altered at the last minute.
India are saying nothing more other than confirming that Virender Sehwag was hit on the right ankle by a ball during a pre-practice session. As management says, there is nothing to be too concerned about.
A case of waiting until Sehwag gets out of bed in the morning to see whether it is anything to worry about or just a minor accident that's not worth the fuss. But as Sehwag and a good start to the innings is important, there is some hope within the team's ranks the injury is indeed a minor one.
Just how the breeze will help Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis and Harbhajan Singh is a debatable question as the spinners normally thrive here. And in a far drier climate than Colombo, and with the first two games of this five-match Idea Cup limited overs international series being day games, the wind can affect the pitch conditions.
But when it is hazy, and a sight such as the profile of the fortress rock is not clearly visible, the wind doesn't always help as much as expected. It was on such a day in 2003 when New Zealand beat Pakistan in a low scoring final at a venue which has a legacy for low scoring games.
India's captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni wasn't too bothered by the weather on a day that was more like those when the Kiwis gained a rare trophy success over an Asian side in Asia. It was a day game and as has been pointed out, scores in day games have improved to those of the day-night variety where dew has an effect.
And there are times when Dhoni speaks that he is a little like Sehwag. They talk a lot the same game: a lot of sense and that's important in the team scenario.
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Posted By mohammed nazmi
i like srilankan team
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