Javagal Srinath
After two close matches at Dambulla , Now its Premadasa where India will meet Host Sri Lanka in a crucial third match of series.Beating Sri Lankan at home soil has always been tough. but it's been even harder in day-night matches, and especially those played the Premadasa.In
the first half it will be a run feast game mainly controlled by the batsman but Spinners will hold the key in the second half of the game and it will be a tough job for those batting second. A good opening stand by either side may well close down the series.Winner of this match will get an advantage to win the series.
I have played lots of matches at Pemadasa.Tradationally the pitch begins low and slow in the second half, difficult to make strokes under lights.Spinners will have much more say in that situation.At that stage better option will be singles & doubles to move score-board, instead of trying for boundaries.
Ajantha Mendis has taken the world by surprise and he will definitely get some advantage. For Indian batsman, Mendis-Murali combination will be a real threat at Premadasa under flood lights. Mendis has a great variety of deliveries and has the advantage of leaving the batsman puzzled at the crease.He is getting all support from Murali and that's adds his confidence. Indian Batsmen should watch his wrist first and play accordingly.Dhoni, Newcomer Badrinath and Virat proved in the last match that Mendis is playable.With a spin attack comprising Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, best option for Indian batsmen to get their eye in against the medium-pacers.Captain M.S.Dhoni & his deputy Yuvraj must play with responsibility in the middle and Dhoni should play the anchoring role. As I have mentioned that a good opening needed in this kind of wicket.Same time India need couple of good partnership in the middle-order.They must improve running beteein the wicket and good communications between the batsman to make a successful partnership. It's about time the Gambhirs', Raina's gets amongst the runs.I have mentioned before that match winning knock on the first outing should do a lot of good to Badri's confidence, but this is just a beginning and he has a long way to go.He must show consistency in his batting.
Knowing the advantage bowlers hold on this wicket, With inform Zaheer, Munaf-Bhajji should strike early in Sri Lankan innings.India need early exit of Jayasurya,Sangakara & Mahela as they did in the previous match.
the first half it will be a run feast game mainly controlled by the batsman but Spinners will hold the key in the second half of the game and it will be a tough job for those batting second. A good opening stand by either side may well close down the series.Winner of this match will get an advantage to win the series.I have played lots of matches at Pemadasa.Tradationally the pitch begins low and slow in the second half, difficult to make strokes under lights.Spinners will have much more say in that situation.At that stage better option will be singles & doubles to move score-board, instead of trying for boundaries.
Ajantha Mendis has taken the world by surprise and he will definitely get some advantage. For Indian batsman, Mendis-Murali combination will be a real threat at Premadasa under flood lights. Mendis has a great variety of deliveries and has the advantage of leaving the batsman puzzled at the crease.He is getting all support from Murali and that's adds his confidence. Indian Batsmen should watch his wrist first and play accordingly.Dhoni, Newcomer Badrinath and Virat proved in the last match that Mendis is playable.With a spin attack comprising Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, best option for Indian batsmen to get their eye in against the medium-pacers.Captain M.S.Dhoni & his deputy Yuvraj must play with responsibility in the middle and Dhoni should play the anchoring role. As I have mentioned that a good opening needed in this kind of wicket.Same time India need couple of good partnership in the middle-order.They must improve running beteein the wicket and good communications between the batsman to make a successful partnership. It's about time the Gambhirs', Raina's gets amongst the runs.I have mentioned before that match winning knock on the first outing should do a lot of good to Badri's confidence, but this is just a beginning and he has a long way to go.He must show consistency in his batting.
Knowing the advantage bowlers hold on this wicket, With inform Zaheer, Munaf-Bhajji should strike early in Sri Lankan innings.India need early exit of Jayasurya,Sangakara & Mahela as they did in the previous match.
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