*Official* West Indies in Sri Lanka 2010

[Woodster]

It was a pretty tame SL attack today because I don't think any of them bowled near their potential, and of course you have to take the pitch into consideration. They will most definitely have to step up their game tomorrow, bowl much better areas, less freebies.

It's not beyond the realms that WI can experience a collapse of some sorts, with the pace at which Gayle has batted at, it certainly leaves plenty of time for a result.

 

[fishyguy]

Sri Lanka without Vaas and Murali are like Australia without Warne and McGrath. Thats what happens when your team depends on a couple of players so heavily straight for over a decade.

Australia Sri Lanka and India are gonna be 3 teams trying to rebuild their teams in the next 3-5 years. Right now the teams of world cricket are much closer in terms of competitiveness than has been for a decade.

And don't forget how well Windies played against Australia a few months ago. Windies have had problems with injuries sadly. Roach and Taylor would be their best opening pair in the last 15 years and so will Barath and Gayle.

 

[Jayzamann]

Fab day for some of my favourite players, Gayle and Kallis.

Haven't got around to seeing any highlights as of yet, tbh I should have hit the sack hours ago.

 

[roseboy64]

Mendis novelty factor seems to have run out. Been decoded by India, Pak and now Gayle, a very limited player of spin bowling.

Gayle is far from limited against spinners. Only been troubled by them if he's out of form or they're top class.

 

[pup11]

It was a pretty tame SL attack today because I don't think any of them bowled near their potential, and of course you have to take the pitch into consideration. They will most definitely have to step up their game tomorrow, bowl much better areas, less freebies.

It's not beyond the realms that WI can experience a collapse of some sorts, with the pace at which Gayle has batted at, it certainly leaves plenty of time for a result.

The pitch is flat, but Sri Lanka's bowling stocks too are pretty think as well. None of the bowlers in their attack have any sort of penetrative quality and against a guy like Gayle they were always gonna get destroyed and that's what has happened.
Though don't expect any of West Indian bowlers to do any better, so guess its 'fill your boots time' for batsmen from both sides.

 

[Prince EWS]

The pitch is flat, but Sri Lanka's bowling stocks too are pretty think as well. None of the bowlers in their attack have any sort of penetrative quality and against a guy like Gayle they were always gonna get destroyed and that's what has happened.
Though don't expect any of West Indian bowlers to do any better, so guess its 'fill your boots time' for batsmen from both sides.

Russell to take 6/40.

 

[TumTum]

Who is this Russell?

 

[TT Boy]

Hit some sixes Chris.

 

[Ruckus]

If there is any name that doesn't match with this face, it's Andre Russell.

 

[Athlai]

Randiv against Gayle: 22.1 overs 124 runs 0 wickets
Randiv against Everyone Else: 16.5 overs 27 runs 2 wickets

 

[TT Boy]

Gayle seems too interested in beating the 319 he got in Antigua. When he should just be interested in sticking Randiv back into the stands.

 

[Prince EWS]

Look I'm the last person to complain about slow batting, especially in the first innings... but when you bat first in the first Test of a series and are are sitting pretty at 393/3 with a batsman on over 250 odd striking at 80 still in, building a partnership of 60 runs off 22 overs just seems a bit dire.

 

[HeathDavisSpeed]

Don't be hatin Gnasher.

Gayle has a ridiculous percentage of 150+ scores.

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Gayle for 400?

May as well and make the game safe at the same time.

 

[Noble One]

Does anyone else find it amusing that in an innings of 136 overs with West Indies approaching 500, that Sri Lanka have not bowled Samaraweera?

I know his first class record is more a reflection of his earlier career, but 348 first class wickets @ 23.36 surely deserves a bowl over Randiv and Mendis who are doing very little. I can't recall if injury prevents him from bowling more.

 

[Prince EWS]

Does anyone else find it amusing that in an innings of 136 overs with West Indies approaching 500, that Sri Lanka have not bowled Samaraweera?

I know his first class record is more a reflection of his earlier career, but 348 first class wickets @ 23.36 surely deserves a bowl over Randiv and Mendis who are doing very little. I can't recall if injury prevents him from bowling more.

He literally doesn't bowl at all anymore. No domestic bowling, no net bowling. Nothing. If he comes on to bowl in a Test it'll be as a real part-time option. Dilshan probably could've bowled more though.

 

[Himannv]

I agree with Noble One. I think he can do a bit of bowling now and try to break the partnership. Worth a shot. Only for a short while though.

 

[Prince EWS]

I agree with Noble One. I think he can do a bit of bowling now and try to break the partnership. Worth a shot. Only for a short while though.

I've always thought he should bowl more. I started a thread about how gun he was and devoted half of that post to his bowling. If he doesn't practice at all though then I'd be more inclined to use other options.

 

[TT Boy]

Gayle out. Seemed to be too focused on beating that 319, went comparatively into his shell today.

 

[Noble One]

He literally doesn't bowl at all anymore. No domestic bowling, no net bowling. Nothing. If he comes on to bowl in a Test it'll be as a real part-time option. Dilshan probably could've bowled more though.

You are correct. I didn't realised Samaraweera hasn't bowled a ball in first class cricket in near three years. His batting fortunes took a good turn though since giving up the ball it appears.

Bring back Dilshan then. Such a pointless game at the moment, needs something new.