The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Crunch match for Sri Lanka

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Friday, Nov 16, 2007
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Crunch match for Sri Lanka

Hobart: Off-spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan is six away from Shane Warne’s world Test record 708 wickets in a Test where Sri Lanka faces a must-win situation.

The second and final Test of the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy begins here on Friday. Australia is running hot with 13 straight Test victories.

The host outplayed Lanka by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test at the Gabba. Pace spearhead Brett Lee tormented the Lankan line-up. He was ably supported by debutant Mitchell Johnson and Stuart Clark.

Sangakkara uncertain

For the Lankans, much hinges on the return of key batsman Kumar Sangakkara. The combative cricketer is recovering well from a hamstring injury but skipper Mahela Jayawardene was guarded about Sangakkara’s availability.

If Sangakkara passes the fitness test, he should replace Thilan Samaraweera in the eleven. As a dynamic No. 3, Sangakkara should add weight to the Lankan top order. The impressive Michael Vandort, such a revelation in the first Test, could be pushed a slot higher or lower.

Sri Lanka is also likely to include incisive paceman Lasith Malinga, surprisingly overlooked for the first Test. The pitch at Hobart is among the slower wickets in Australia and has a tendency to assist spin progressively. Malinga could still be a threat with his unique sling action, air-speed and swing.

Milestone beckons Vaas

Veteran Chaminda Vaas, who should be playing in his 100th Test, could be picked ahead of Dilhara Fernando. The erratic Fernando disappointed in the first Test.

Hobart is an Australian bastion. The side has won five of the seven Tests here, without losing a match. Ricky Ponting leads a strong side on a ground which is a particular favourite of the imposing Matthew Hayden. The Aussies have a slight injury concern about Michael Clarke but the fluent batsman is expected to recover in time from a hamstring strain.

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