A new era: Sanga-less Sri Lanka eye series win over India
Upul Tharanga named to replace the veteran in final Test in Colombo
Tharanga, who has played 20 Test matches for Sri Lanka and averages 31.8, played the final Test of the series against Pakistan but made way for Sangakkara for the first two matches against India. PHOTO: AFP
COLOMBO:
Left-handed batsman Upul Tharanga will replace retired Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara for the third and final Test against India, said captain Angelo Mathews on Thursday.
Sangakkara, arguably the greatest Sri Lankan batsman, finished his 134-Test career last week during the second Test in Colombo which India won to tie the series at 1-1.
The 30-year-old Tharanga played the final Test of the series against Pakistan but made way for Sangakkara for the first two matches against India.
“In his last match he hit a couple of 45s. He went out only because Sangakkara came in,” said Mathews.
Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal, the most successful bowler for the hosts with 12 wickets, was doubtful for the third Test with a thumb injury on his bowling hand.
But paceman Nuwan Pradeep, who missed the second Test with a hamstring injury, was fit and available for selection.
With the retirement of Sangakkara, Mathews said Sri Lanka were still undecided on their batting order.
“We’re trying to get our combination right to see who is best in what position,” said Mathews. “We’ll have to give it a bit more time for that, and then try and stick to a combination. In the past two series, we’ve not made too many changes in our batting line up, but with Sangakkara retiring now, we’ve got an opportunity to Test those players in different positions.”
India are also poised to make changes to the line-up that won the second Test convincingly in Colombo with opener Murali Vijay and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha ruled out with injuries.
Team director Ravi Shastri said India were also not rigid on their batting order, having promoted Ajinkya Rahane to number three at the expense of the struggling Rohit Sharma in the second Test.
“In this team, no one owns a batting position. It all depends on the situation,” said the former India captain. “We will play horses for courses and see what the situation and the opposition demands.”
Greenish pitch delays team announcement
India and Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were left to ponder the behaviour of an unusually greenish pitch as they delayed naming their line-ups for the decisive final Test.
The traditionally high-scoring pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club has undergone a dramatic change in appearance from a brown, flat track to a moisture-laden one that sports a tinge of grass.
“After being relaid, the pitch has a bit more carry,” said Mathews. “As of now, there’s a bit of grass on the wicket. You can’t really predict a wicket 100 per cent. We just have to play it by the ear.” India, seeking their first series win in Sri Lanka in 22 years, will also not reveal their playing 11 till they had assessed the wicket before the toss.
“It’s [pitch] far from being a finished product yet,” said Shastri. “There is still quite a bit of grass on it, but there could be another cutting of grass. Only then can we decide who to play.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2015.
Left-handed batsman Upul Tharanga will replace retired Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara for the third and final Test against India, said captain Angelo Mathews on Thursday.
Sangakkara, arguably the greatest Sri Lankan batsman, finished his 134-Test career last week during the second Test in Colombo which India won to tie the series at 1-1.
The 30-year-old Tharanga played the final Test of the series against Pakistan but made way for Sangakkara for the first two matches against India.
“In his last match he hit a couple of 45s. He went out only because Sangakkara came in,” said Mathews.
Off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal, the most successful bowler for the hosts with 12 wickets, was doubtful for the third Test with a thumb injury on his bowling hand.
But paceman Nuwan Pradeep, who missed the second Test with a hamstring injury, was fit and available for selection.
With the retirement of Sangakkara, Mathews said Sri Lanka were still undecided on their batting order.
“We’re trying to get our combination right to see who is best in what position,” said Mathews. “We’ll have to give it a bit more time for that, and then try and stick to a combination. In the past two series, we’ve not made too many changes in our batting line up, but with Sangakkara retiring now, we’ve got an opportunity to Test those players in different positions.”
India are also poised to make changes to the line-up that won the second Test convincingly in Colombo with opener Murali Vijay and wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha ruled out with injuries.
Team director Ravi Shastri said India were also not rigid on their batting order, having promoted Ajinkya Rahane to number three at the expense of the struggling Rohit Sharma in the second Test.
“In this team, no one owns a batting position. It all depends on the situation,” said the former India captain. “We will play horses for courses and see what the situation and the opposition demands.”
Greenish pitch delays team announcement
India and Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were left to ponder the behaviour of an unusually greenish pitch as they delayed naming their line-ups for the decisive final Test.
The traditionally high-scoring pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club has undergone a dramatic change in appearance from a brown, flat track to a moisture-laden one that sports a tinge of grass.
“After being relaid, the pitch has a bit more carry,” said Mathews. “As of now, there’s a bit of grass on the wicket. You can’t really predict a wicket 100 per cent. We just have to play it by the ear.” India, seeking their first series win in Sri Lanka in 22 years, will also not reveal their playing 11 till they had assessed the wicket before the toss.
“It’s [pitch] far from being a finished product yet,” said Shastri. “There is still quite a bit of grass on it, but there could be another cutting of grass. Only then can we decide who to play.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 28th, 2015.