Sri Lanka are one nil down in the series going into the second Test in Melbourne which begins on December 26.
Can we save this match or win it? If we are to win the match, we will have to play an extra batsman at the expense of a fast bowler. My choice for the extra batsman’s slot is Dinesh Chandimal.
In March this year when Sri Lanka played against Australia in Melbourne, Chandimal was the Man of the Match, for his brilliant 75, which I was fortunate to witness. In that match, the Aussie pace attack had more variation with Pattinson, Mackay, Christian and Doherty doing the honors.
Chandimal, I observed, has a bit of Dilshan in him. He is aggressive, and would take the fight to the bowlers, and is nimble footed. I can remember very vividly, how he danced down the wicket to to left arm spinner Doherty, to thump the ball over the bowlers head; the ball Sailing high, and crashing into the sight screen with a resounding thud. It was a glorious six. He really played a blinder and got out for 75.
Lahiru Thirimanne has had his chances, but has not impressed, hence Chandimal should play.
The bowler to sacrifice his place would be Shaminda Eranga or Chanaka Welegedara. The latter would be my choice, because he gives away too many runs.
The batting order should be Dilshan, Karunaratne, Mahela Jayawardene, Sangakkara, Samaraweera, Chandimal, Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene and the tail. If three of the above could post a good score, we should have more than 500 runs on the board in our first innings batting first by day two. If the big three make up 250, that would mean perhaps, Mahela a century and Sanga and Dilshan together getting another 150 runs. The balance 250 runs to be scored by Karunaratne, Samaraweera, Chandimal,Mathews and Prassanna Jayawardene. That would mean 50 runs by each of them which is a fair ask. In getting this 500 odd runs on the board, our batsmen should also occupy the crease for the first two days.
On day three, the Aussies will come into bat, where the wicket might have worn off a bit. Kulasekera should keep one end tight and from the other end, either Welegedera or Shaminda Eranga (whoever who plays), should go for the wickets.
Angelo Mathews should come in first change and continue the containing job, frustrating the batsmen. Hopefully, there won’t be a Michael Clarke and his replacement would be a newcomer.
Mike Hussey would be the only threat to the Lankans. According to the law of averages, it is highly unlikely that he will repeat his century performance in the second Test as well.
Watson with his captaincy duties resting on his shoulders, would be not the same threat. If all goes according to plan, the Australians could fold up for 250 at the end of day three.
Day four will begin with Sri Lanka having a lead of 250 to play with, the wicket by now would be worn out and the bounce would not be so pronounced as on the first three days.
Lyon could be a threat on the day, but all Sri Lankan batsmen are quite adept at facing spin bowling and for them to put up a total of 250 would not be a tall order. When day five emerges, the Aussies will be left to get 500 runs to win. Looking back, this has never happened.
Who knows, Sri Lanka might even pull off a historic win, if Herath comes up with a heroic effort.
He really can be a threat because the Aussie tail is as long as a kangaroo.
Source: The Island (Sri Lanka)
