“They are not capable.” “They won’t make it.” “Their team lacks quality.” These are the common phrases Sri Lankans are tired of hearing day in and day out. For the critics out there, Sri Lanka is still a powerhouse. However, are they capable of making into the latter rounds of the tournament and fighting for the title? Let’s not forget they came an inch close to holding that world cup trophy the last two times.
The Sri Lankans have a direct advantage over many other teams – experience. The average age of the players is a mature 31 years. In fact, they have managed to retain nearly half the squad that made it to the final of the last World Cup four years ago. So, how does each player fare?
The Top Order:
Karunaratne may not have impressed in the tour against New Zealand, but he shares similarities with India’s Shikhar Dhawan; he needs a strong start to be able to have any success in an innings. He opens with a man who has been pivotal to Sri Lanka’s success over the years – Tillakaratne Dilshan. Age has never been a problem for Dilshan who still strikes fear into every bowler’s hearts. A fearless swatter, an intelligent part time bowler, in addition to his acrobatic fielding at the age of 38, is all that a team can ask for. His stand with Karunaratne and with those down the order will play a key role in Sri Lanka’s success.
Two big names in international cricket – Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene – follow them down the order. Not much has to be said about these two. Sangakkara’s footwork and jaw-dropping cover drives alone can demolish any attack. Having suffered heartbreaks in two World Cup finals on the trot, Sangakkara will leave no stone unturned to make this World Cup special. His remarkable 116 run stand with Jayasurya in the 2007 final nearly ensured a smooth ride to victory, before their middle order collapsed. Jayawardene has always been admired for his calm mind even under pressure. As a player for the big occasions, he showed what he is capable of, with a century in the World Cup final in 2011; his versatility and shot selection left India spell bound. He and Sangakkara will be expected to anchor the top order.
Middle Order :
The skipper follows the top order. Angelo Matthews has always shown his deadly instincts in limited-overs cricket. The all-rounder from Colombo is known for his compact batting technique and consistent fast-medium bowling. The top five batsmen should be able to cause enough damage to any bowling attack.
Sri Lankans, like Indians and Australians, bat deep down their order. Any team requires an intellectual vice captain and Lahiru Thirimanne compliments Angelo Matthews. At 25, he is the second youngest player in the squad after Dinesh Chandimal. The left-hander will provide a good left-right combination with Matthews.
The selectors needed a spinner who could bat; Jeevan Mendis made himself known. Even though he didn’t get his opportunities early in his career, he has worked his way into the starting eleven over the years. The fact remains that he is still an underrated fixture in the squad.
Lower Order:
Sri Lanka’s bowling has leaked runs considerably in the last two years. The series against India was a test of skill and temperament, which they didn’t exactly pass with flying colours after being whitewashed 5-0. What they have failed to show is the ability to improvise.
Nuwan Kulasekara and Thisara Perera are textbook style bowlers. With Kulasekara bowling with more of a wicket-to-wicket style, he is exposed more to being slaughtered when Plan A doesn’t work. The fielding restriction of four bowlers outside the 30-yard circle has just added to his woes. Perera, on the other hand, has been more disciplined. Their batting however, has been extremely crucial at the bottom; an additional 30 runs down the order is a bonus. Senanayake is another valuable addition to the bowling attack.
The question here is: where does improviser extraordinaire, Lasith Malinga fit in? There are no voids in the team and Malinga’s addition is still not justified.
Their decision to go with just one specialist spinner – Rangana Herath – might haunt them. Nathan Lyon and Xavier Doherty in the shorter form of the game have both shown how the Australian pitches can help the spinners, and it would have been ideal if Sri Lanka had another specialist spinner in the squad.
Overall, the squad looks strong and complete. We have seen what they were capable of in the past. Sri Lanka is still a force to be reckoned with. They were, they are and will continue to be the lions that their country’s flag proudly depicts. However, the Australian pitches and outfields may be a handicap to them. Having played a lot of matches outside the sub continent of late, they will provide a huge challenge to India, Australia and South Africa. A top four finish is likely, and we should not be surprised if they can go further. Who knows, perhaps the dream of being world champions isn’t far off.
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