Preview for the CB series

For Sri Lankan cricket fans, the CB series starts tomorrow. This series is mostly important to us than the other two teams because of mayhem that Sri Lankan cricket is now in. Let’s take a look in to the future of the tournament. Despite all the changes that took place recently, the team composition stays more or less the same and from cricketing point of view that should be a good thing. Yes we lost tournament after tournament and the form of most of the player were below par. If you believe in change of personal will bring back the results, then we might as well play a completely different team because whatever happen on the field, the entire team is responsible for them, not just the captain, not just the senior players. These players are responsible for where we are now and we should give the opportunity to take us out of it. In my opinion they are on their way for that.

Photo : Getty Images

Batting unit : whatever said and done, this will be headed by Thilakarathne Dilshan. He is so important at the top order not only because he scores quickly but also his sheer presence can unsettle the opposition bowlers. Mahela Jayawardene will come in to the middle order and probably in place of Lahiru Thirimanne. Dinesh Chandimal was the best batsmen in South Africa so he should not have any problems with his number 4 spot.

Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilakarathne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Thilan Samaraweera, Lahiru Thirimanne

Bowling unit : is unsurprisingly will be headed by Lasith Malinga. Early wickets from him and Nuwan Kulasekara will go a long way towards success. There will be an interesting choice for the spot of third seamer between Chanaka Welagedara, Dhammika Prasad and Farveez Maharoof. It’s hard to think of two spinners playing on those conditions, so Rangana Herath might get the nod.

Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Dhammika Prasad, Sachithra Senanayake,  Chanaka Welagedara

Photo : Getty Images

All-rounders : Thisara Perera is almost a certainty to play because of his heroics in South Africa and also he did an equitable job with the bowl too. Though on form, Angello Mathews and not Lahiru Thirimanne should lose the place to Mahela Jayawardene but since he is the wise captain, it’s hard to see former being dropped.

Angello Mathews ,Thisara Perera

One to watch : Dinesh Chandimal was the player of the tour for Sri Lanka in South Africa where he performed splendidly under pressure. On an even bigger stage, he just might bring out something special.

NDM : cricsl.blogspot.com