Injury worries for Lanka ahead of Australian series

It seems that Sri Lanka’s woes will continue as almost all of their pace bowlers are hit by injuries sparing Rangana Herath the sole recognised spinner, while Australian skipper Steve Smith gave the indication that his top opening batsman David Warner will be fully fit in time for the first Test which begins in Pallekelle, Kandy on July 26.

Australia is down play three Test matches in Pallekelle, Galle and the SSC and five ODI’s and two T20 matches.

The Lankans who had completed a miserable tour of England will have a .gigantic task in competing with the world number one team with a depleted bowling attack and an inexperienced batting line up. In addition to the injured fast bowlers the much talked about right-arm leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay who injured his spinning finger during a practice match prior to the English tour is still recovering from his injury and has been indefinitely ruled out from the Aussie tour as well.

Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews said at a press briefing at the SLC headquarters that whatever the destination the Aussies play they are an extremely strong side to combat even with the home advantage. The home team will be minus Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Shaminda Eranga and Suranga Lakmal.

Mathews said the last time the Aussies were here in 2011 the contest was a close one and this time too he hopes it would be as close and wished the weather would keep fine.

Australian skipper Steve Smith said that Sri Lanka is a great place to play cricket, and admitted that Australia hadn’t much success playing in the sub continent and hopefully will try to turn things around.

Coach Graham Ford said that it was a good tour to have right now as the boys have done some tough work and they have realised the kind of work they are required to do to be successful at this level as Australia has been a very successful team for a quite a long time.

“We can test ourselves with a really good Test playing nation. It is interesting to see whether the progress made in the recent tour of England would continue. We showed signs of progress in England and the Australian tour would prove whether we are really on the right track. My immediate concern is taking 20 wickets in a match with so many injuries in the bowling unit. That was the problem in England as well,” said Ford.

The Lankan coach also said that the team will have to look at different directions where the bowling is concerned. Talking about the batting Ford said that they are beginning to play as a unit.

The two openers have not shown much in their technique. Youngster Kusal Mendis batting at number three looked exciting and a good prospect for the future.

“But we must not put too much pressure on him, but keep encouraging him. I am sure when he starts scoring hundreds he will become a match winner. Chandimal began to play much better and with experienced Angelo the batting should come good,” said Ford.