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A preview on the Test Series between Australia and Sri Lanka by Stephen Brown

The scene is set for a big show down between world champion test nation Australia and a nation who has an impeccable home record, that is Sri Lanka.

Going into the 3 test series Australia has had a drawn series at home with India whilst Sri Lanka contested a close series with England winning 1 - 0, where Muralitharan starred magnificently in the series being the top wicket taker. The pitches are likely to give very little bounce or side movement, although swing and reverse swing could play a major part in the series. The wickets will suit the spinners in a major way with both sides likely to play 2 or 3 spinners in their side as is customary in Sri Lanka. All things aside it should be a closely matched series, one which Sri Lanka won last series 1 nil in the infamous test Gillespie and Steve Waugh had their collision where Gillespie hurt his knee and Waugh broke his nose. The only thing that should sideline the series would be the continual problems between the Tamils and the government, which at the moment has a ceasefire.

The Australian team may have an unfamiliar look with selectors looking at a horses for courses selection rather than an orthodox Australian selection. Langer and Hayden will open for Australia and Ponting will bat at 3, next comes in Martyn who comes with a question mark over his place at 4 and in the side, Damien has not scored a century for Australia in 18 months in tests, his place though is safe for the moment. Darren Lehman and Simon Katich are likely to challenge for the number 5 spot although if Lehman is picked he may move to number 4 and Damien Martyn to number 5,Lehman is tipped to be picked for his experience against spinners whilst the unlucky Katich is likely to miss out. Andrew Symonds is likely to come in at either number 6 or 7, and his selection is as an all rounder and is likely to be Australia's 3rd seamer as well as our off spinner, this is also seen as a reward for his stellar 12 months in one day cricket, he is likely to be followed by Gilchrist at 7 and then Australia's tail. Australia’s opening attack is likely to be spearheaded by Brett Lee who is nursing an injured ankle and Jason Gillespie who has quite a bit of experience on sub continental wickets. Spin twins McGill and Warne are likely to share the attack with Symonds, with Warne coming off a 12 month suspension out of the game. Added to the attack will probably be the left arm spin of Darren Lehman and the medium pace of Damien Martyn this depending on how the top line bowlers perform. The form of Michael Kasparowicz may force the selectors hand especially his ability to swing and reverse swing the ball, he may get his chance in the first test if Lee is unavailable, Brad Williams has shown little on this tour so far and is likely to mix the drinks on this tour.

Sri Lanka go into this series as equal favourites and are said to be planning to play 7 batsmen including wicket keeper batsmen Sangakarra ,although Sri Lanka could change their mind and play spinner all rounder Chandana at 7. Jayasuriya is likely to open although if he suffers murmurs in his batting form he may move down the order later in the series, the other opener will be the familiar Atapattu, Sangakkarra is likely to bat at 3 and Jayawardene at 4, although the order could change with Sangakkarra moving down the order considering he is also the Sri Lankan wicket keeper. Captain Tilekeratne is likely to come in next with the inform Samaraweera likely to come in at 6 and Dilshan 7, then the tail, Gunawardene is likely to miss out from the batsmen chosen. It will be a big test for the Sri Lankan batsmen which has been guilty of inconsistency in the past 18 months, all the batsmen are under pressure to perform to hold down their place. The next Question arises will Sri Lanka play 1 pace man or 2, Vaas will spearhead the attack, whilst the up and down Zoysa and debutant Kulasekera will challenge for the other bowling spot if 2 pace men are chosen. Next Sri Lanka will choose their 2 or 3 spinners from the following Muralitharan, Dharmasena, Chandana and Lokuarachchi, there is no doubt Muralitheran will be chosen, the question is what spinner or spinners will share the honours with him .As well Jayasuriya, Samaraweera and Dilshan will be called onto bowl their variety of spin as well.

What can a man assume, that this series will be a spinners paradise where the pitches are likely to reflect this in the test series, my tip is that the pitches will turn square. My tip on who will win, I will not be so bold, this series is up in the air no one can say without a doubt their side is the favourite especially too when Australia batsmen suffer such great anxiety against spinners especially on spinning tracks. Another sidelight to the series is who will break Courtney Walsh’s 519 record wickets, my tip is Muralitharan.

All I can say is sit back, put your feet up and watch an intriguing series.
 

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