Virender Sehwag Keeps India Afloat in the Third Test against Sri Lanka

Opener Virender Sehwag’s fiery batting has kept India in good shape at the end of the second day of the third and final test match against Sri Lanka. The home side got all out for 425 runs in their first innings. India finished the day at 180 for 2 with Sehwag not out on 97 and Sachin Tendulkar not out on 40.

Sri Lanka started the day with their overnight score of 293 for 4. Except Thilan Samaraweera, no other Sri Lankan batsman showed any resistance today. Samaraweera got his 12^th test century as he played an excellent innings of unbeaten 137. The hosts lost their last 6 wickets within 95 runs.

Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha was the most successful bowler with 4 wickets to his name, while pacer Ishant Sharma picked up 3 wickets.

India started off pretty well in their innings as the two openers had brought 49 runs before Murali Vijay was made the catch of Mendis by Lasith Malinga. Sri Lanka picked up another crucial wicket when Rahul Dravid was trapped in LBW off Angelo Mathews.

India was under pressure after losing two wickets within 100 runs, but Sehwag’s sensible batting eased the pressure for the visitors. The had-hitter’s unbeaten 97 came off just 87 balls thanks to 17 boundaries. Tendulkar is also complementing well.

India is still 245 runs behind in their first innings. Sehwag and Tendulkar must lead the visitors from the front tomorrow, if India is to create a winning opportunity in the match.

India is now 1-0 down in the series. So, they have no other alternative of winning the match to level the series.

India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test 2010: Time and Live Score

India and Sri Lanka head into the third and the final test match of the three-match series on 3 August 2010 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The visiting side is under pressure as they are 1-0 down in the series and anything less than a victory would mean a series loss for them. Sri Lanka needs just a draw to hold on to the lead and win the series.

Time

The match kicks off at 04:30 GMT and 10:00 local time (Sri Lanka time). According to Indian time, the match begins at 10:00 too. In the US, the match starts in New York time at 00:30 and in California time at 21:30.

Live Score

Cricket fans can get the live updates of the match at the following link:

http://www.cricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/scores/live.html

Indian team suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat in the first test followed by a lifeless draw in the second match. Now, they have to win the third test, if they are to level the series.

Bowling attack has been a matter of big concern for the Indians so far and their worry would be doubled now as key spinner and most experienced bowler Harbhajan Singh is doubtful for tomorrow’s match. The off-spinner missed a training session on Monday and it is not quite sure if he would be full fit for the third test.

In his absence, India could opt to play three pacers bringing in Munaf Patel alongside Ishant Sharma and Abhimanyu Mithun. The ground’s well-scripted reputation of providing assistance to the pacers would also justify this decision. However, playing two spinners in Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra (if Harbhajan can not play) is another possibility.

There is bad news for Indian batting line up too as opener Gautam Gambhir has also been ruled out for the third test after missing the second test with a knee injury. However, batting would yet be India’s biggest hope.

Sachin Tendulkar, who is going to play his 169^th test match surpassing Steve Waugh’s previous record of 168 matches, got a double century at the SSC and would like to continue the momentum. Suresh Raina, who got a century in his debut in the previous match, would retain his place. Overall, there would not be any change in India’s batting line up.

Sri Lanka’s bowling line up would be boost up by the return of pacer Lasith Malinga who missed the second match because of injury. Now, Malinga’s return means Sri Lanka has to choose one among Chanaka Welegedara and Dammika Prasad and Dilhara Fernando.

Welegedara’s recent form is better than the two, but Dammika Prasad had a five-for in Sri Lanka’s last meeting with India on this ground, while Fernando picked up 15 wickets in his three test matches in this stadium. Led by Ajantha Mendis, Sri Lanka’s spin attack would also feature either Suraj Randiv or Rangana Herath. Sri Lanka’s batting line up would remain unchanged.

Overall, Sri Lanka seems to be slightly favorite to win this one, but a lot would depend on the performance of Indian bowlers. Considering the recent form of Indian bowlers, it seems less likely that they would be able take 20 Sri Lankan wickets. No doubt, it would be a big challenge for the Indian bowlers and it would be interesting to see if they can win this challenge.

Sri Lanka declared the first innings at 642-4 on day 2

Sri Lankan batsmen have dominated over Indian bowlers on the second day of the second Test match and put an enormous chasing score of 642 for 4 declared.

It was a day of toil for Indian bowlers as they had to work hard to pick the wickets of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene in a batting friendly pitch.

For Indian bowlers, skipper, Kumar Sangakkara, was unbeatable and ruthless. His ruthless and aggressive innings against the seamers and the spinners led him to score his seventh double century in test cricket. He scored 219 runs from 335 balls, including 29 boundaries. He needs two more double centuries to reach West Indian batting legend, Brian Lara, who scored nine double centuries; including his career best 400 runs in an innings.

Another batsman who troubled the Indian bowlers is Mahela Jayawardene. He played a passionate innings and showed his batting skill. He scored 244-ball 174 where he hit 20 boundaries and 1 big six. He missed an opportunity to make it into double century after being trapped by Harbhajan Singh.

These two batsmen made a 193-run partnership in the third wicket stand. Thilan Samaraweera was not out on 76. When Sri Lanka started the second day, they were 312-2 with Kumar Sangakkara not out 130 while Mahela Jayawardene was unbeaten on 13.

These two wickets were taken by Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh.

In reply, India has already scored 95 without losing any wicket. Virender Sehwag played an aggressive innings of 63-ball 64. He hit 12 boundaries. Murali Vijay was not out on 22.

The absence of Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan made Sri Lankan bowling acting much weaker as the bowlers could not pick any wicket after bowling 18 overs on day 2.

Let’s see if India can save the match or not.

Sri Lanka has scored 312-2 against India after the end of day 1 in 2nd Test

With scoring 312 for 2 at the end of day one of the second Test match against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, Sri Lanka has almost taken the control of the match. They have proved that SSC is a lucky cricket ground for the host team, Sri Lanka. Two brilliant centuries from Kumar Sangakkara and Tharanga Paranavitana put Sri Lanka in charge on the opening day and it remained the fans their dutiful job in Galle. Now, Sri Lanka is looking to make a huge total ahead of the touring side and thus ensuring their series victory with one match left at hand.

Winning the toss, Sri Lankan skipper, Kumar Sangakkara, decided to bat first which was proved to be a right decision later. Opening pair Tharanga Paranavitana and Tillakaratne Dilshan made a good start and shared 99 runs partnership in the first wicket stand. Dilshan played his natural game and scored a 42-ball 54, including 10 boundaries. His wicket left Sri Lanka 99-1 in 18.1 overs.

No doubt, the dismissal of Tillakaratne Dilshan gave India some glimmer of hope as the touring team is expecting to make their bounce back with a victory in the 2^nd test match. Their glimmer of hope started becoming faded by a brilliant counter-attack from Kumar Sangakkara. In the second wicket partnership with Paranavitana, Sangakkara added 174.

Scoring a solid 100 from 221 balls, Tharanga Paranavitana became the second victim of Indian bowlers. Kumar Sangakkara scored unbeaten 130 while Mahela Jayawardene was not out on 13.

For India, Pragyan Ojha and Ishant Sharma took one wicket apiece. Harbhajan Singh led the inexperienced bowling line up with more responsibility. However, he could not put any pressure over the opponent team. Let’s see if he can do anything next day with the ball.

Preview and Live Score of India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2010

The second test match between India and Sri Lanka has come at the centre of all attention. This match will be played on 26^th July 2010 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Sri Lanka is in the driving seat after winning the first test match. Now, they are looking to continue their winnings streak at SSC and seal the test series with one match left at hand. On the other hand, India will try hard to save the match ensuring a victory in the second test match. This match will be shown live on Ten Sports.

To get Live score of India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test, visit the link below-

http://www.cricinfo.com/sri-lanka-v-india-2010/engine/current/match/456670.html

The second test match against Sri Lanka is going to be a crucial one for the touring team India as they are trailing the three-match test series 0-1 following their 10-wicket defeat in the opening test match at the Galle International Stadium. Now, Indian cricket team will try their best to make their bounce back with a victory in the second test match that is needed to level the series.

No doubt, India is going to face a tough challenge against Sri Lanka in the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground where the second test match will be played. Touring side has poor record in this venue. In their last two matches, they suffered innings defeat.

India could taste their last win here in 1993. Since then, they could not win any Test series in Sri Lanka. However, host team has good record in this venue. They have not lost a test at the SSC in six years. So, it will be interesting to see if India can break Sri Lanka’s winning steak and make a new record in this venue.

Injury is the main cause of concern for both teams. Sri Lankan pace bowler, Lasith Malinga, will miss the second test match due to his injury. It is heard that Indian opening batsman, Gautam Gambhir, has less possibility to play the 2^nd test as he is suffering from knee injury. However, the decision of playing him will be taken on Monday morning.

Muttiah Muralitharan has taken retirement from test cricket. He bid his farewell against India in the opening test. So, Sri Lanka will have to play without him. It is the time to see how they play without the aid of this spin wizard. Ajantha Mendis has been called for his replacement. It is expected that he will repeat the history once again against India.

Indian bowling line up looks very weak. It seems that Indian captain and coach will bring some change in the bowling action. They may exclude Pragyan Ojha and Amit Mishra. Debutant bowler, Abhimanyu Mithun, impressed the selectors with his bowling skill the first test, but new ball pair, Ishant Sharma, was not in good form. Munaf Patel can be called up in his place.

To cover the weak of bowling line up, Indian middle order batsmen, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, and VVS Laxman will have to play an important role with the bat.

Let's see who will the match.

Who Will Win in India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2010?

The second Test match between India and Sri Lanka will take place on 26^th July 2010 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. This match will kick off at 04:30 GMT (10:00 local time) and 10:00 Indian Standard Time.

India has no option except win the match if they want to level the series with a victory in the second test match. Their victory in the second test will keep their hope alive to win the series 2-1 or finish it with a 1-1 draw.

The million dollar question is that if India can bounce back in the three-match test series despite losing the opening test match against the host team Sri Lanka by 10 wickets at the Galle International Stadium. It is very tough to predict that who can win the next test match as both teams have equal opportunity.

The retirement of Sri Lankan spin wizard, Muttiah Muralitharan, from Test cricket and the injury of seam bowler, Lasith Malinga, will inspire Indian batsmen to get a victory using the advantage of their absence.

However, Ajantha Mendis has been recalled in the squad to replace Muralitharan. Interestingly, he made his dream debut in this venue against the same opponent in 2008. He will hope to repeat the once again. Either Dilhara Fernando or Dammika Prasad will replace Lasith Malinga, who is suffering from knee injury.

The Sinhalese Sports Club Ground is a lucky venue for Sri Lanka as they have won twelve and lost two matches following their three matches ending in a draw in the past decade. Even, Sri Lanka defeated India by a huge margin of an innings and 239 runs in this venue in 2008.

Both Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have good performance in this venue, averaging over 66 and 79 respectively.

The main problem of Indian cricket team is their weak bowling line up. Both Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth could not join the team due to their injury. However, Harbhajan Singh was the main hope of Indian bowling action but he went wicketless in first test after bowling 30 overs.

In that situation, Indian batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman will have to take the responsibility to lead their team with the bat.

Sri Lanka may not miss the opportunity to seal the series victory with one match left at hand. On the other hand, India will try hard to save the match ensuring a victory in the second test match.

Let’s see who will win: India or Sri Lanka?

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2010 Without Muttiah Muralitharan

Host Sri Lanka will have to take on India without their experienced spin bowler Muttiah Muralitharan in their second Test match of the three-match Test series that will take place just after two days (26^th July 2010) at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Sri Lankan cricket team is leading the Test series 1-0 winning the first test match by 10 wickets at Galle International Stadium to bid an excellent farewell for Muralitharan, who played his last test match.

Sri Lankan cricket team will have to play without Muralitharan in their second Test match as the spin wizard has taken retirement from Test cricket after playing the opening test against India. Now, the question is that who will replace him for the next test match. I don’t think there is anyone who can successfully replace him in the main squad. However, Ajantha Mendis has been recalled in the squad and there is a strong possibility that he will take Murali’s place in the playing XI.

There is another question that how much Ajantha Mendis can put pressure with the ball. Twenty-five-year-old Mendis made his Test debut in Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in 2008. It was his dream test debut as he picked 8 wickets and shared 19 wickets with Muralitharan. However, this time, he will have to do the job alone. No doubt, it will be a big challenge for him.

Muralitharan had great contribution behind his team’s success in the first test match against India as he picked 8 wickets, 5 wickets in the first innings and 3 wickets in the second innings, and reached the 800-wicket land mark. His retirement has created a big void in the Sri Lankan squad.

No doubt, the second Test match against India is going to be a big challenge for Sri Lankan cricket team. This match will be shown live on Ten Sports.

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2010 Live in Ten Sports TV Channel

Indian will take on Sri Lanka in the second test match of the three-match test series that will kick off on 26^th July 2010 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo. Winning the first test match by 10-wicket at Galle International Stadium, Sri Lanka has taken the control of the series 1-0 and has made the second test match a crucial one for the visiting team. However, Indian cricket team is looking to make a bounce back with a victory in the second Test match and keep their hope of winning the series by 2-1. On the other hand, host team will look to continue their winning streak and win the series with one match left at hand.

Despite seeing a disappointing performance in the opening Test match against Sri Lanka, Indian fans will be eagerly waiting to see their favorite team performing well in the second test match. To play against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground is going to be a tough challenge for India as they have worst record in this venue in 2008 where they last played against each other in 2008.

It is the time for Indian cricket team to take revenge for their humiliating defeat and save the series. It is expected that the second test match will be more exciting in the absence of experienced spinner Muttiah Muralitharan. This match will be shown live on Ten Sports. Fans from South Asia and Middle East can show the match live on this TV channel. It will start at 04:30 GMT (10:00 local time) and 10:00 Indian Standard Time.

India and Sri Lanka Teams are in Kolkata for 4th ODI of the Series

India and Sri Lanka are now at eastern city of Kolktata. They arrived earlier today and the fourth match will take place on Thursday (24 December 2009). The match will take place at the famous Eden Gardens, the largest cricket stadium in India. For team India, there is one bad news-  Yuvraj Singh si unavailable for the match because of finger injury. He will not also play in the fifth and last ODI. Indian selectors have not stated yet who would replace him.

Sri Lanka has similar injury problems too. Eden Garden is good for batting and spinners get some turn. In the last 3 matches, it was batting that decided the outcome of the match.

By the way, we have started a YouTube Video Channel for Sports37.com (this Sports News Website). The url of the YouTube channel is: http://www.youtube.com/sports37news

Below, you can find a short report about the fourth ODI between India and Sri Lanka.

Did you enjoy the video? If so then be here regularly and you will get more video reports from Sports37.com team. 

India wins the Third ODI and takes 2-1 Lead against Sri Lanka

India has defeated Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the third One Day International match at Cuttack thanks to good batting from their star player Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar scored a brilliant innings of 96 runs unbeaten.

Sri Lanka batted at first and they scored  239 all out from 44.2 over. They started very well and by the time of  22.2 overs, they were batting at 165/1. Then things changed suddenly and Sri Lanka lost the last 9 wickets for just 74 runs. Tharanga scored 73 runs off just 81 balls but the other batsmen failed to create any impact. For India, Jadeja took 4 wickets by justgivin 32 runs from his overs.

India never looked under pressure when they were batting. However, they lost 3^rd wicket when their score was 169 and there was some hope for Sri Lanka However, Tendular played a brilliant knock and he was ver patient and kept his wicket intact. Tendulkar scored his 96 runs from just 104 balls and h scored 13 boundaries.

The fourth ODI will take place in Kolkata on 24 December 2009. 

Sri Lanka’s 3-wicket victory helps to level the series 1-1

The five-match series has been leveled by 1-1 after Sri Lanka won the 2^nd ODI match in Nagpur by 3 wickets against the home team India. It was another closely competitive match between these two teams. Sri Lanka had to ensure their victory in the last over. Before that both teams had fifty percent possibility to win the match.

Winning the toss India elected to bat first and scored 301 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their 50 overs. Indian skipper MS Dhoni scored 107 runs. Both Suresh Raina and Virat Kohli respectively scored 68 and 54 runs.

Sri Lanka reached the target with 5 balls remaining at hand. Tillakaratne Dilshan became the player of the match. His heroic century helped Sri Lanka team to come back in the competition.

However, both India and Sri Lanka will face each other on 21^st December to play the 3^rd ODI match at Cuttack.

The match was like a Hollywood movie and it was a very exciting game.

India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test 2009: Online Live Score Information

Third test match against Sri Lanka is considered as one of the most exciting and nail biting test series for host team India. That is why, Indian cricket team is taking hard preparation for the 3^rd test match which will take place at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. India’s victory by an innings and 144 runs in the second test match at Kanpur helped the host team to take a 1-0 lead. If they can finish the series with 2-0 then they will become the top ranked team in the ICC Test rankings. What will happen if India loss or draw the match? If India could not get any victory or finished the series with a draw then they will stay in the third position behind South Africa and Sri Lanka.

However, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said his teammates not to take much pressure by thinking about the top test ranked spot. According to the Indian skipper, their main target will be win the series. He also said that if they continue winning test match then top position will come towards them. This match is scheduled to start from 04:00 GMT.

I am sure that fans do not want to miss the chance to see this competitive match live. People are now searching on net that how they can watch live cricket on TV. As it is the home test series for India so, Neo Cricket will broadcast it live. Other TV channels are –

Zeesports

Supersport

Skysports

Foxsports

However, you may not enjoy this game live on TV. There is no need to be upset. Here, in this entry, I am giving some websites name in below where from you can get live score and details information-

Stickiewicket

action8cricket

thatscricket

crictime

cricinfo

I hope you will enjoy the game live.

India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test 2009: Who will win?

The most exciting third test match between India and Sri Lanka is going to be held from 2^nd December 2009. India will take on their rival team Sri Lanka at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. This match has created a lot of excitement to the fans of both teams. Fans are passionately waiting to see this game live. This match will start at 04:00 GMT (09:30 local time). Third and final test match against Sri Lanka is the golden opportunity for India team to reach in the top position of the ICC Test rankings for the first time in their history.

Do you know why this test match is exciting and much-awaiting? The first reason is that host team India has possibility to become top ranked test team. South Africa is leading the test rankings and Sri Lanka is taking in the second position. India is closer from them. Indian cricket team is leading the 3-match test series 1-0 after winning the second test match by an innings and 144 runs in Kanpur. If India can finish the test series with a victory then India will leapfrog both of them and stay in the top chart. I think one question may rise in your mind that if India finishes the test series with a draw or defeat then what will happen. If India failed to get victory or loss to Sri Lanka then they will stay in their position. They can not proceed in the rankings.

Just 36 years after, India is going to play a test match in Brabourne Stadium. This venue only hosted 17 test matches where last test match was played between India and England in 1973. Host team has good record in this venue. In their previous 17 matches they won 4 matches and lost only 2 matches. Other matches finished with draw.

The absence of Gautam Gambhir from 3^rd test match will put India team under huge pressure. Gautam Gambhir is one of the in form players in India team. He scored centuries in the last two test matches against Sri Lanka. He will miss the 3^rd test because he will attend his sister’s wedding on Thursday. However, this left-hander player will be replaced by Murali Vijay. I am not sure if Murali Vijay can fit himself for Gambhir’s replacement.

However, Sri Lanka is in good form. But the main problem is that their spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan can not play any effective role. You already know that this test series is the last away series for Muttiah Muralitharan. That is why, Sri Lanka should struggle hard to finish the series with a victory for Muralitharan dream farewell.

I am eagerly waiting to see this exciting and competitive match. Who do you think can win the match: India or Sri Lanka?

Time and Venue of India vs Sri Lanka 3rd Test 2009

Host team India is going to take on touring side Sri Lanka on 2^nd December 2009. These two strong South Asian teams will face each other to play the 3^rd and final test match of the 3-match test series. Indian cricket team will be eyeing for victory. If India can win the final test match and take a 2-0 lead of this series then they will become top ranked team in the ICC Test ranking for the first time in their history. It is sure that they will face a tough challenge against Sri Lanka because Sri Lanka has not won any test since their meeting. India is leading the series 1-0 after winning the second test by an innings and 144 runs at the Green Park, Kanpur.

Indian cricket team is taking third position in the ICC Test ranking. South Africa is leading the point table. Sri Lanka is in the second position. But the difference among them is close enough. So, India can overtake them by winning a match in Mumbai. No doubt that Indian cricket team will come on the field with the hope of climbing to the top spot. However, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is worried and much concerned about the 3^rd ODI match. He warns his teammates to give concentrate on the match and forget about the rankings.

Fans of both teams are already started searching to know about the kick off time and venue. This much-awaited test match will start from 04:00 GMT (09:30 local). This match will be held at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai. This stadium was established in 1937. So, you can easily understand that it is one of the oldest stadiums in India. It is the home ground of Mumbai. It has only 20,000 sitting capacity. India has good record in this venue. Totally 17 test matches have been played in this venue where India lost only two matches. Their defeat came against West Indies and Australia. Most of the matches finished with draw. For the first time Sri Lanka will play in this ground against the home team. Let us come to see who can win the match and take the top position.

Related article:

The New York Times

India vs Sri Lanka 2nd Test 2009: Who Will Win?

India is going to play the second test against Sri Lanka in the three-test match series and second test is going to start from 24 November 2009 (Tuesday). In the first test, Sri Lanka played much better and they were unlucky because it was a flat wicket and the bowlers did not get any support. Despite leading by 334 runs in the first innings, they could not win the match. So in the second match, the Sri Lankan players are hopping that they can do better and win in it. It should be mentioned here that Sri Lanka has never won a test in Indian soil and this time, they are very much optimistic.

Sri Lankan players are hopping now that in the second test, it will be some easier for their bowlers to get wicket and the pitch will be more bowling friendly than the first test. As for India, they are depending on their batsmen more because they have no quality bowlers as we could see in the first test.

If you ask me who will win the second test then I would like to say that the second test should be more competitive and I hope that Sri Lanka will win it. However, if they want to win then they have to do better and they must try to focus on their spin bowling. Sri Lanka has some quality spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis and both of them can destroy any opposition team single handedly if the pitch helps. Sri Lankan batsmen are in great form. They need to continue this form.

By the way, Pakistan and New Zealand 1^st Test 2009 will start on the same day. So, the cricket fans of these two countries will have something to enjoy at the same day.

Related Article

AFP

Sri Lanka’s Tour of India 2009: Three-day Practice Match Abandoned due to Rain

Rain was the winner in the three-day practice match between Sri Lanka and India Board President XI in Mumbai. The match has been abandoned today as the first two days were washed out. In the month long tour, Sri Lanka will take on India in 3 tests, 2 Twenty20 internationals and 5 one-day internationals.

If you want to get live score of India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test match then visit the link- India vs Sri Lanka 1st Test 2009: Live Action Updates.

No doubt, Sri Lankan players are frustrated at the abandonment of the practice match. The first test kicks off from 16 November in Ahmedabad. Sri Lanka’s record in India is not very satisfactory. In fact, the Sri Lanka did not win any of their 14 test matches in India since 1982. Now, let us see if Sri Lanka can turn that record around this time.

Related article:

reuters

Sri Lankan Cricket Team Arrives India

To play 3 tests, 2 Twenty20 internationals and 5 ODI matches, Sri Lankan cricket team has arrived Mumbai, India last night. Sri Lanka’s month-long India tour commences with a three-day practice match against Board President XI in Mumbai starting from 11 November. First of the three test series will start on 16 November in Ahmedabad, followed by the next two matches in Nagpur and Mumbai.

Sri Lankan cricket team was the target of a terrorist attack earlier this year when the team was in Pakistan to take part in a two-match test series. So, Sri Lankan team management is pretty much concerned about the security measure. Lawrance Fernando, the security advisor of the visiting team, already inspected the security measures of all the venues where Sri Lankan team will be playing throughout the tour.

Related article:

littleabout

Schedule of India vs Sri Lanka 2009 Series

Playing with India is perhaps the most profitable thing to do in cricket world today. Well, because of political tension, Indian government is reluctant to have any sporting tie with Pakistan. So, for the fans, perhaps the next best thing is to watch some India vs Sri Lanka matches. Sri Lankan cricket team is visiting India later this month. They will play 3 Test matches, 2 T20 matches and 5 ODIs. The first test will start from 16 November and the 5^th ODI will take place on 27 December. So, if you are a cricket fan then you have something to enjoy for nearly 6 weeks.

Sri Lanka has a strong team and they have performed reasonably well against both India and Pakistan in the last 5 years. They have a balanced team and I think that among South Asian teams, they have best team spirit and fielding. On the other hand, Indian captain Dhoni is under some pressure as his team is not having consistent form this year. India’s bad performance in ICC T20 World Cup 2009 and ICC Champions Trophy 2009 brought a lot of criticism for him. So, he has to inspire his team mates in this series.

You can find the full schedule of India vs Sri Lanka 2009 series here:

India vs Sri Lanka 2009 ODI, Test & T20 Series Schedule

Who do you think will win the series: India or Sri Lanka? 

5th ODI Latest Condition

It is raining now at this moment in the stadium. So, there is no action at this moment. Before the rain stopped the match, India was 70/3 after 14.2 Overs. India needs another 158 runs from 35.4 overs and they have 7 wickets. Earlier, Sri Lankan batsmen struggled a lot and could manage only 227 runs for 6 wickets from their 50 overs. This is not a huge total. Well, Indian batsmen are not doing well in the last few matches. So, this can be considered as a fighting score for Sri Lanka. India has already lsot 3 wickets. So, they will be under some pressure when the match resumes again.

I guess you can read review of a new movie released earlier today until the match again starts.

India vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: India Wary of Batting Performance

India is going to play against Sri Lanka today in the second match of CB series at Brisbane. Sri Lankan team is vastly experienced, while Indian is lining up with a handful of youths. So, it seems that Sri Lanka is slightly ahead of India in the match. However, this young side played in the twenty20 world cup and won the tournament.

India is wary of their inconsistent and often-fragile batting line up that fully failed in the twenty20 match against Australia and then failed in the first ODI of the tournament at the Brisbane against Australia. So, the inexperienced batsmen are being tested every bit of their talent in the Australian condition. Manoj Tiwary could not play well making an ordinary debut. So, if Yuvraj Singh becomes fit and makes it to the final eleven then Tiwary might be out of the final eleven.

The Hindu reported:

Yuvraj hasn't had a hit since the Perth Test and could be rushed into the eleven. Skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni would like to bring Yuvraj into equation only if the weather is perfect. Or else he would afford him a few more extra days before India plays its next game in Melbourne, against Australia on February 10.

Yuvraj is the missing link in the Indian line-up as the first four batsmen are unlikely to be disturbed on Tuesday.

I think, Indian selectors should not have put out such a young team in Australia. I think, they should have been drafted in gradually. Sourav Ganguly was in good form, but he was opted out of the team. In this way, Indian selectors are affecting on the confidence of the team and it indirectly affect on the side. For example, there is no doubt that the Manoj Tiwary is full of potential. Now, suppose he plays today and fails again and gets out of the team without playing any more matches in the tournament, then can you give any assurance that he would be called up later on. There were many cricketers in India who remains in the dark, despite having huge talent.

I think Indian selectors should bring back the cricketers like Sourav Ganguly and draft one of two young players at a time, which will even be very helpful for the young players. A team needs to build up gradually. It is not possible to bring in a flurry of young cricketers and expect some quick success in this level of cricket. Anyway, I hope to see an exciting match today.