By Brian Thomas
Go for Gold The pertinent decision is important based on the fact that Sri Lanka will have a bigger challenge due to the New Zealand white ball series scheduled for the month of November.
Sri Lankan Captain and coach have to consider the importance of maintaining the teams dominance over the West indies and make the tally 11 on the trott , whilst securing a white wash against the visitors who have been weak against quality spin in subcontinent conditions. Strong Possibility that Jayasuriya will play with the same batting line up , giving Avishka Fernando and Sadeera Samarawickrema more time out in the middle to get back to form before the Kiwi series. Pathum Nissanka will be rested because his workload next month will not only be challenging but daunting as well.
Asitha Fernando, the work horse with the new, might sit out today. Hence, Dilshan Madushanka, the left arm seamer, might get an opportunity. Wanindu Hasaranga might be rested since Jeffrey Vandersay is an option , however, this is a tricky option since the lower order batting unit will be dented to a great extent Sri Lanka will also consider all rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe the medium pace all-rounder who has been useful with the long handle . These decisions are a healthy headache. West Indian top 5 batters must counterattack the Sri Lankan spin cordon.
They must not let Theekshana, Wellalage ,Jeffrey Vandersay ( if he plays), and part-time bowlers Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis dictate terms on slow dry pitches that grips and turns . Darren Samy, the West Indian coach, we presume would have inculcated the importance of his batters using their feat whilst getting deep into the crease and negating the turning ball. The Caribbean lads are known as white ball maters , with the same mindset like the Sri Lankan outfit. Their batters take lots of risk. However, they must have learnt milking the singles , running with intent whilst batting , not depending on big hits, is the way forward.
Gudakesh Mohotti can bat up the order . Seamer Alzarie Joseph needs help from both Jasen Seals and Romario Joseph , whilst Haydon Walsh, the leg spinner, has to come good. He must take a leaf from the Sri Lankan spinners by bowling it slower through the air , varying his line and length using the bowling crease to create angles , which help Gudakesh Mohotti, so that they can hunt in pairs. Finally, West Indian selectors have got it wrong, resting players like Akeal Hossain, Nicholas pooran, and Hetmyyer. They have rested a few players, not realising that Sri Lanka are a difficult team to beat in home in their home conditions. Looking forward to your reading views that matter on our match report at the end of play.
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