Sri Lankan Paceer Dilhara Fernando to Miss the First Test against India

You already know that Sir Lanka-India test series begins on 23 July with huge excitement among the fans of both sides. Though spinner Ajantha Mendis is now under the lime light and Sri Lankan fans are hoping to see something special from this wonder-man, there is bad news for the Sri Lankan fans. Pacer Dilhara Fernando has been injured out of the first test starting from 23 July 2008 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

The pacer, who was supposed to open up Sir Lanka’s bowling attack along with veteran pacer Chaminda Vaas, took a blow to his knee during the three-day match against Indian team. With Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof already out with injury, Fernando’s injury came as a big blow for the host team. Selectors included Thilan Thushara and Nuwan Kulasekara in the 14-men squad for the first team and either of them will share the new ball with Vaas in the first test. However, Sri Lanka’s spin attack remains formidable with the combination of Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis.

Sri Lanka vs India Test Series: A Series for the Spinners?

Don’t get me wrong upon reading the title. Actually, I am not going to look down upon the pacers of Indian and Sri Lankan teams. However, it is true that much of the media focus have been taken away by the spinners of the two sides ahead of the first test starting from 23 July, and there are enough reasons as well.

First of all, three spinners of Indian and Sri Lankan teams have more than 1600 test wickets among them so far. Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has record 735 test wickets to his name, while Indian captain, leg-spinner Anil Kumble has bagged 608 wickets becoming the third highest wicket takers in test cricket. Another off-spinner, India’s Harbhajan Singh grabbed 275 test wickets so far. However, the interesting thing is that none of the three spinners are now under the lime light ahead of the test series. Rather it is Sri Lanka’s miracle spinner Ajantha Mendis, who is yet to play his debut test, has been the center of all attention.

Well, you might be thinking that what is the catch of uncapped Mendis? Actually, the spinner has the ability that none of the aforementioned spinners have in them. Mendis can produce six different deliveries in an over bringing a formidable variation in his bowling. Another important thing in Mendis is that batsmen can not guess anything by observing his bowling grip as he is capable of spinning the ball either way by the tip of his fingers- thus keeping his grip same to the batsmen.

Now, tell me if you agree with the title or not. Actually, the pacers like Chaminda Vaas and Zaheer Khan are proven performers, but considering the Sri Lankan condition, I think, spinners will have bigger role to play for their respective sides in the series between India and Sri Lanka.

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AFP

Rahul Dravid: Focus should Not Be Solely on Ajantha Mendis

Former Indian captain Rahul Dravid has been full of praise for Sri Lankan team that kept a formidable home record over the last few years. The experienced Indian batsman hails the Sri Lankans for their consistency they showed at their home soil in the last four years. In fact, Sri Lanka lost only one out of their last 16 test matches at home.

‘The Wall’ famed Rahul Dravid thinks the host side has got the right balance in this condition. Indicating the ability of pacer Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, Dravid has stated that Sri Lanka is always a big threat for the visiting teams. However, Dravid, who has more than 10,000 test runs, does not think that all the focus should be given solely on Sri Lanka’s emerging star Ajantha Mendis. Rather, he has pointed out the fact that Sri Lanka has two bowlers Muralitharan and Vaas who have more than 1000 test wickets between them. So, India should focus on other bowlers as well.

Dravid has confirmed that Indian team is totally focused on winning the test series and Sachin’s record mark of becoming leading run scorer in test arena has never been an issue of dressing room conversation. However, he hopes Sachin achieves the mark in the first innings of the test. Sachin Tendulkar needs 172 runs more to surpass Brian Lara’s record career total of 11,953 test runs.

Well, the test series gets underway tomorrow with the first test being kicked off at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. So, let us see if cricket fans can get to enjoy an exciting test series between the two cricket powers- India and Sri Lanka.

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iafrica.com

Sri Lanka Squad for the First Test Announced

The much awaiting first test of the three-match test series between India and Sri Lanka kicks off from 23 July 2008 at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Cricket fans are waiting for the first test looking for an exciting test series between the sub-continent’s two leading sides.

Sri Lankan squad for the test has been unveiled recently and Sri Lanka’s mew miracle, spinner Ajantha Mendis, has been given a place in the 14-memebr squad for the first test. Now, it seems to be a matter of time the 23-year old will be handed his test debut against India in the first test of the series. The unorthodox bowler was in the forefront of Sri Lanka’s 100-run victory over India in the Asia Cup final 2008 with an incredible figure of 6 for 13. Since then, Mendis has become a regular name in the newspaper headlines and it is expected that Indian batsmen are seriously considering this emerging star of Sri Lankan cricket. Mendis will team up with legendary bowler Muttiah Muralitharan to make a seemingly lethal spin attack for any side.

For batting, Sri Lanka has a strong batting line up including two experienced batsmen: Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakara. The other four top order batsmen are expected to be Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Thilan Samaraweera and either Chamara Silva or Tillakaratne Dilshan, besides the wicketkeeper batsman Prasanna Jayawardene. However, Sri Lanka has some problems in their pace department with three pacers being injured out. Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga and Farveez Maharoof are recovering from injuries. Though it was expected that Fernando would share the new ball with experienced Chaminda Vaas, a knee-injury during the three-day match against India ruled Dilhara Fernando out of the first test. Now, either Thilan Thushara or Nuwan Kulasekara would step into the first eleven of the first test to team up with Vaas.

I think, Sri Lankan teams looks balanced and it would not be very easy for the Indians to outclass the Sri Lankan side at their home soil. Here, I am giving the names of the first test squad of Sri Lanka:

14-member Sri Lanka squad for the first test:

Michael Vandort, Malinda Warnapura, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chamara Kapugedera

Sri Lanka vs India 1st Test 2008: Preview and Live Score

There are only two days left before the much awaited test series between Sri Lanka and India begins with the first test starting from 23 July at the Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo. Irrespective of teams and venue, the first test of a series is always very important for both sides and in most cases, the first test of a test series has a far reaching effect on the whole test series. The first of the three-test series is now very important for both India and Sri Lanka, and definitely both sides will look to have a good start in the series winning the first test. The match will kick off at local time 10:30 (GMT: 05:00).

One this is for sure that Sri Lanka can not expect much of advantage over India in terms of weather and condition, because Indian players will not find it difficult to cope up with the Sri Lankan condition, which is of typical sub-continent condition in which India should not have any problem. However, Sri Lanka will get the home crowds beside them which, to some extent, might give some psychological edge to the host side. India, on the other hand, has no reason to be worried about the pitch and condition because they are used to playing under this kind of condition back home.

India has played a three-day match against Sri Lanka Board XI, which ended up in a draw on Sunday. Though Indian batsmen failed to shine in the first innings of the three-day match, they played well in the second innings thanks to a confidence booster knock from opener Gautam Gambhir who played an unbeaten innings of 60 off 82 balls. In the first innings, India’s star batsman Sachin Tendulkar scored 69 and wicketkeeper added 58 to give India a decent total of 196 for 8 before Kumble declared the innings. Among the bowlers, the two spinners Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh played well. Kumble picked up three wickets, while Harbhajan Singh bagged four wickets in the match. So, the three-day match could not bring anything special for the Indian side, though batting in the second innings will boost up the confidence of Indian batsmen ahead of the first test.

Captains of both sides are confident regarding chances of their sides in the test series. Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene thinks the cricket fans are going to experience a great series and also admits that Sri Lanka enjoys playing against India and this is always a tough challenge to win. The Sri Lankan captain also indicates his good record against India so far. Anil Kumble, on the other hand, is only focused on winning the test series. He also relishes India’s consistent performance in test cricket over the last year and now is pretty much confident ahead of the first test. The leg spinner is also happy with getting some key players back to the squad who have overcome from injuries. Sachin has come back after recovering from groin injury, while Zaheer Khan has been back to squad after missing out the Asia Cup and Kitply Cup in Bangladesh with injury. Kumble must be happy with Harbhajan Singh back after serving a five-match ban imposed by BCCI following a clash with Indian team mate Sreesanth during Indian Premier League.

Umpire Review System to be tested in the Series for the First Time

What is umpire review system? Well, if you are a fan of tennis, you might have seen that players on tennis court have the right to challenge umpire’s decision for a particular number of times during a match. The same thing is going to be initiated in cricket and the upcoming test series between India and Sri Lanka will undertake this rule for the first time. By this rule, players can challenge the decision of on-field umpires and captains of both sides will make the call.

Sachin Tendulkar: Reaching on a New High

Do you think that Sachin Tendulkar will be able to score 172 runs during this three-match test series? Well, do not get me wrong. I am not going to put my money on a betting site on the issue whether Sachin will be bale to score 172 runs in the test series. Actually, the batting maestro needs 172 runs more to cross Brian Lara’s test cricket total of 11953 to become the leading run scorer in test cricket. So, fans of Sachin Tendulkar are now eagerly waiting to see Sachin reaching the milestone in this series.

Spotlight on Ajantha Mendis

Yes, this unorthodox Sri Lankan spinner has taken away much of the media attention ahead of the first test. He is the latest wonder-boy of Sri Lankan cricket after pacer Lasith Malinga. Actually, it is very hard to classify the bowling action of Ajantha Mendis who spins the bowl on the tip of his finger- thus delivering six different deliveries in the same over. In his cricinfo profile, he has been termed as a right-arm slow-medium bowler. Spinning the bowl on either way is the main strength of his bowling.

After his match winning bowling performance of 8 for 13 in the final of Asia Cup 2008 against India, he has been the centre of all attention ahead of the test series. There are many who think Mendis could pose a serious threat for India’s star studded batting line up. In fact, Mendis is considered as next Muralitharan in cricket. Over the last one decade, whenever a test team visited Sri Lanka on a test tour Muttiah Muralitharan was on the forefront of their mind and the visiting sides were busy wit planning to stop the spinner. However, ahead of the test series against India, Muralitharan has taken the backseat for the first team, while Ajantha Mendis who is yet to win his test debut is the player the media is raving around. To tell the truth, Muralitharan could never pose any big threat for India’s ever strong batting line up, but this time, Indian batsmen are really considering Mendis seriously.

India: Batting is the Ultimate Strength, but Don’t Forget Kumble, Harbhajan

There is no doubt, India’s current test batting line up is one of the most formidable ones in the world with the presence of Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. I think, these four batting maestros will have to play big role during the test series because they are the main strength of their batting line up. Young opener Gautam Gambhir is in good form, while his opening partner Virender Sehwag is enough to destroy any bowling side in his day. For bowling, India’s main hope relies on the two spinners: Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh. Zaheer Khan’s presence will give an extra boost to Indian bowling line up.

Online Live Score and Updates

I know that you will not wish to miss the any part of the actions of the test series between the two neighboring countries. ESPN will bring the matches live for the television viewers. However, it is also true that some of you might not be able to stick to their television set due to personal and professional works. Still, I will request you not to be disheartened. Rather, you can still enjoy the online live score and updates of Sri Lanka vs India first test from various websites in the net. Some of the links of such websites are given below:

Cricinfo
Cricketnext
Cricket.sulekha
stickcricket
cricpoint
indvsauslivescore
cricbuzz
squidoo
Sify
cricketworld

It would be very tough to predict about the first test. It is pretty much confirmed that Ajantha Mendis might be given his test debut in the first test and I am looking forward to see him playing test cricket. I think, much of the result of the first test depend on how Indian batsmen play against Sri Lankan spinners. I just hope to see an exciting match in the first test of the Sri Lanka vs India test series.

India in Sri Lanka 2008: Live in Ten Sports TV Channel

Indian cricket team is now in Sri Lanka for playing three-match test series followed by five ODI matches against host Sri Lanka. During the more than a month-long tour, both teams are expecting some confidence booster performance ahead of upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2008, due to take place in Pakistan in September. India will start the tour with a three-day match against Sri Lanka Board XI tomorrow in Colombo.

Fans on both sides are now waiting for the kick off of the first test which will get underway from 23 July 2008 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. It is true that with the inception Twenty20 format of cricket, Test cricket has already lost much of its attraction and the public attraction has been diverted to the shorter form of the game, Twenty20 cricket. Moreover, Twenty20 cricket has been the money-making machine of the players thanks to ICL and IPL. With England cricket board also coming up with its own Twenty20 league, it is sure that the trend of making money through Twenty20 form of cricket will continue in future too. Naturally, the five-day long test match might seem to be tiresome to the cricketers and they might opt out from test matches and focus more on ODI and Twenty20 matches.

At this situation when test cricket is facing a visible threat from the shorter versions of cricket, India is visiting Sri Lanka on a full-fletched tour, comprising three-test and five-ODI matches. Though it is a bit hard to predict the interest of cricket fans around this test series, I think, it is for sure there are some fans who will still feel the excitement of a test series between two former world cup winners. Captain of both sides are also expecting to be able to present with a great series for the cricket fans and both of them admitted it would be a tough series.

Well, India has played six test matches so far this year in which they won two, lost two and drawn two matches. Sri Lanka, in contrast, has played only two test matches against West Indies with winning one and losing another. So, you can see that neither side played many test matches this year. Both sides played their last test matches in April this year meaning India and Sri Lanka are going to their first test match in three months in the upcoming test series.

Ten Sports will telecast the Sri Lanka vs India test and ODI series live for the cricket crazy fans of the two teams. So, if you are interested to enjoy the live action of India’s tour to Sri Lanka, then Ten Sports is the channel for you. Ten Sports is one of the well-known sports channel in Asia and it mainly covers cricket, football and wrestling. The channel is very popular in South Asian and in the Middle East countries.

So, if you are currently residing in Asia and do not want to miss the live action of the test and ODI series between India and Sri Lanka, then just tune on Ten Sports during the matches without thinking much about it.

For the TV schedule of Ten Sports click here.

Harbhajan Singh Focused on Future Leaving Behind the Bitter Past

Harbhajan Singh is ready to be back in International cricket after missing out five ODI matches due to suspension imposed by BCCI following a controversial spat between Harbajan and Sreesanth during an IPL match. The spinner slapped his Indian team teammate Sreesanth during that Indian Premier League match and was banned from the remainder of the tournament by the tournament committee. Besides, he was handed a five-ODI ban by BCCI.

The spinner is now eager to come back in competitive cricket with his best form in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. He admits that the last three months was very tough for him and but he wishes to forget the past and to focus on the upcoming series. He thinks that all the controversies are behind him and now just wants to play for Indian team focusing on him own game. Harbhajan Singh ends up saying that he has learnt a lot from his past experiences and now looking forward to his future.

India will play three test and five ODI matches during their tour to Sri Lanka. The tour will officially start with a three-day match starting from tomorrow in Colombo. First test will begin from 23 July at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. Now, let us see if Harbhajan Singh can successfully put all the odds behind him and make a strong come back in the series against Sri Lanka.

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Hindustan Times

Captains Upbeat ahead of Sri Lanka vs India Test Series

Captains on both sides, Mahela Jayawardene and Anil Kumble, have expressed their hope ahead of the three-match test series starting from 23 July. Both captains are hopeful that their teams will play well in the series indicating the strength of their teams.

Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene predicts the series is going to be a great one for the cricket fans. He also admits that the series is going to be a tough one. His counterpart Anil Kumble, captain of India’s test team, gives more of his focus on the consistency India showed over the last one year. He is also delighted with the come back of pacer Zaheer Khan and spinner Harbhajan Singh. Kumble is also happy with the team combination and he thinks that his team has a good preparation ahead of the test series.

Indian cricket team includes some of the most experienced batsmen in the world including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. However, much of the media focus ahead of the test series takes away by Sri Lanka’s latest surprise Ajantha Mendis, who single-handedly demolished Indian batting line up in the final match of Asia Cup 2008 earlier this month. His match winning figure of 6 for 13 was enough to bring result of the match in their favor leading Sri Lanka to their first Asia Cup title outside Sri Lanka.

However, Anil Kumble thinks his middle order batting line up is strong enough to stave off the challenge of the young spinner Ajanta Mendis. He also adds that the condition is pretty much familiar with Indian players and it would not be tough for them to cope up with it. Now, let us see if India can take up the challenge of Ajanta Mendis successfully or Mendis once again roared against Indian batsmen in the test series.

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Cricinfo

India’s Tour of Sri Lanka Stars with a Three-day Match on 18 July

Indian cricket team reached in Colombo on Tuesday ahead of the test and ODI series against host Sri Lanka. High officials of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) welcomed Indian team at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, 30 km North of Sri Lanka capital Colombo. During the tour India will play three test and five ODI matches against Sri Lanka. Test series begins with the first test scheduled to take place at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo from 23 July. Test series will be followed by the five-match ODI series, set to kick off from 18 July.

However, India’s tour to Sri Lanka will officially get underway with a three-day match against Sri Lanka Board XI starting from 18 July at the Nondescripts Cricket Club Ground, Colombo. Ahead of the tour, Sri Lanka seems to hold a psychological edge over the visiting team thanks to their Asia Cup triumph defeating India in the final.

Well, it is true that test cricket is different from limited over matches and Sri Lanka has to face perhaps the most experienced batting line up in the world in the presence of star batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, all are at their 30s. In the same way, Sri Lanka is also able to throw some challenges for the seemingly formidable batting line up of India. Young spinner Ajantha Mendis has already caused enough suffering for the Indian batsmen during Asia Cup and with getting Indians at the home soil, he is now gearing up to make more pressure on the Indian batsmen. Besides, Muttiah Muralitharan is also there to make the situation tougher for the Indian batsmen. So, in a sense you can say that this is the series between Indian batsmen and Sri Lankan bowlers, though I am not looking down upon the Indian bowlers and Sri Lankan pacers and batsmen.

What do you think about it?

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