West Indies tri-series 2013: Team Preview - Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka were the semifinalists in the ICC Champions Trophy, where they were defeated by eventual winners India

The ICC Champions Trophy is done and dusted; it’s time now for some calypso beats to hit our ears, as West Indies get ready to host the two subcontinental giants – India and Sri Lanka. The triangular series commences with the first match today between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Kingston.

Sri Lanka have very seldom traveled to this part of the world in the past. The last time they came here for a bilateral series, they managed to draw the Test series 1-1, but failed to win a single match in the three-match ODI series. The team is currently going through a transition phase under Angelo Mathews, and they had a mixed bag of results in the recent past. However, they fared reasonably well in the Champions Trophy before bowing out to India in the semifinal.

Batting:

The slow pitches in the Caribbean might suit Sri Lankan batsmen to a large extent. They are used to playing on the slow and low tracks in Sri Lanka, and the pitches here in West Indies have been a bit towards slower side in the past few years. Even though they qualified for the semis in the Champions Trophy, their batting primarily was a 3-man show, revolving around Kumara Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and T Dilshan.

Injury has forced Dilshan out of the series, which has brought the very much forgotten, but very talented Upul Tharanga into the equation. Their batting order which includes players like Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne shows a lot of promise but hasn’t stepped up to the occasions often. Their fringe players have to take up the responsibility now if they want to win it this time, especially against the two very difficult sides in this format of the game.

Bowling:

Ajantha Mendis has been recalled for this tour which is wise decision by the selectors, considering the supposedly slow and turning tracks here. Rangana Herath was impressive in the Champions Trophy and is likely lead their spin department in this series as well. Sachitra Senanayeke is the other quality spinner in the side who will be waiting for his opportunity eagerly.

Their pace battery is in good shape with Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara in good bowling form. Malinga has gone for a few runs in the last few matches and needs to resurrect himself a bit to be as lethal as he is known to be. Shaminda Eranga might get an opportunity to prove himself in the first two games. Angelo Mathews, with his clever changes of pace, would be handy bowler in these conditions.

Players to watch out for:

Kumara Sangakkara - The stylish left-hander has been in good nick in the recent past and would like to carry his good momentum here too. He would be looking to provide some solidity and stability in the middle order.

Mahela Jayawardene - He is arguably one of the best artists of the game in the current times, and a match-winner on his day too. With his magical touch and flourishing drives, hooks, cuts and sweeps, he can take the game away from the opposition within no time.

Lasith Malinga - No matter how his form is, he will be the lead bowler of the side on any given day. The captain will be banking on him to get them some early breakthroughs and restrict the flow of runs during the death overs as well.

Fixtures:

1. West Indies vs Sri Lanka at Kingston

Friday, June 28th, 2013

2. India vs Sri Lanka at Kingston

Tuesday, July 2nd, 2013

3. West Indies vs Sri Lanka at Port of Spain

Sunday, July 7th, 2013

4. India vs Sri Lanka at Port of Spain

Tuesday, July 9th, 2013

Probable XI:

Angelo Mathews (capt), Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara(wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal (vc), Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis/Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara and Rangana Herath.