***Official*** Sri Lanka in England

[chaminda_00]

You've got Jehan Mubarak close to a Test call-up. None of Zoysa, Prasanna or even Bandara can do far worse with the bat than him, and all have a dependable second skill. That can be said of a few other batsmen lucky to make the team just to 'boost the batting', only to score in slow bits and pieces.

There is no point in using Mubarak inabilty to bat, as a reason to justify the selection of a bowler as a all rounder. Its like saying Dilhara inabilty to bowl, is why we should play Ian Daniel as seam bowling all rounder. Like Zoysa once in a while Daniel bowling might come off, but frequently enough to pick him a side on the basic of this bowling. If Zoysa makes the side it would be on the back of his bowling nothing else

Sangakkara is capable of scoring a lot more than he does these days, and he can score more if he concentrates on his batting. He's very much a batting mainstay, trying to build partnerships that can save or even win a match. He's better off saving runs in the outfield than wicketkeeping, which should be left to someone who is more specialised and more effective in speed, reflexes and technique. This is where the likes of JK Silva, Tharanga and even Prasanna will matter, but they should score at least 20 runs at eight or nine.

I have no problem with Prasanna in the side if he batted at eight, but if he made the side he would bat at seven and his is diffently not good enough to bat at seven. And his keeping isn't that much better then Sangakkara. Having Tharanga would just be diverting the problem to someone else. With Silva in about 2-3 season he hopefully will be good enough to bat at 7 in Test Cricket, but until then their is no need to rush him into the Test side. Just let him keep playing for Sri Lanka A and go on the odd Test tour that comprises of more then three test, if we ever get any.

As for Maharoof, he can bat and he's one of the more automatic choices in the bowling plan, but don't expect him to shoulder the responsibility of bailing the team out with big scores. He needs a partner at seven or eight who will share that task with him, so the likes of Zoysa, Chandana or any other contender will come into play. However, they should be in or near the top bowling options to make the side– unlike a few pretenders picked for the national team in the recent past. Again, cynics will say that Zoysa has a meagre average, but it's reasonably good at five, eight and nine, while some specialist batsmen at seven struggle to even score ten runs, and none have the striking power that Zoysa has.

If you want some to share the all rounder duties with Maharoof then go with a guninue all rounder like Gayan Wijekoon. There is no point picking a bowler who can bat as a all rounder

That reminds me– how does Bandara bat? He's supposed to be one of the better bowlers to play for the team from what I have seen. Another player of interest is Weerakoon from the reserve team playing in Abu Dhabi. Chandana doesn't seem a Test contender unless you look at his ten-wicket haul in Cairns.

Bandara is a better batsmen then Zoysa and he can hit sixes as well, your perfect all rounder. With Chandana he is still a ODI option, but their are better spin bowlers infront of him for Test team in Suraj, Hearth and Weerakoon. They are all bowling better then him. The Weerakoon (Suresh) that got the runs against Irealand A is a different one to the one that played a Test a couple months ago. His only played one 1st Class game so its a but early to know where his at.

When it comes to picking Zoysa as a all rounder, it would be like picking Ian Daniel as a all rounder.

 

[Arjun]

There is no point in using Mubarak inabilty to bat, as a reason to justify the selection of a bowler as a all rounder. Its like saying Dilhara inabilty to bowl, is why we should play Ian Daniel as seam bowling all rounder. Like Zoysa once in a while Daniel bowling might come off, but frequently enough to pick him a side on the basic of this bowling. If Zoysa makes the side it would be on the back of his bowling nothing else

Frankly, there is not much point in having Mubarak as a seventh batsman to cushion the top six, because then you would have the thinnest cushion at that position. Even if you had someone who could score more runs, there will be four overworked bowlers, who may end up conceding more runs (in the dud overs) than the seven batsmen can score. Zoysa is one of the more obvious picks in the bowling, unlike Suresh Perera or LHD Dilhara, who can also score runs. As for Daniel's bowling, it's also worth a try, but is it of much use as a stock bowler? Maybe not, but it's better than overworking four ordinary bowlers.

If you want some to share the all rounder duties with Maharoof then go with a guninue all rounder like Gayan Wijekoon. There is no point picking a bowler who can bat as a all rounder

I've heard more than a few complaints about Gayan Wijekoon to keep him out of the plan, though he's got better batting and bowling figures than most specialists, such as Kandamby and Mubarak. Likewise LHD Dilhara and Hashantha. I'm not too sure if they can make the national team on any skill, batting or bowling, or whether they can balance the team with both skills. Zoysa, on the other hand, is one of the better bowlers in the plan, and can fit into the team at least on that one skill. Mubarak may not get too many runs, but Zoysa will get you that extra wicket.

I have no problem with Prasanna in the side if he batted at eight, but if he made the side he would bat at seven and his is diffently not good enough to bat at seven. And his keeping isn't that much better then Sangakkara. Having Tharanga would just be diverting the problem to someone else. With Silva in about 2-3 season he hopefully will be good enough to bat at 7 in Test Cricket, but until then their is no need to rush him into the Test side. Just let him keep playing for Sri Lanka A and go on the odd Test tour that comprises of more then three test, if we ever get any.

That Prasanna's keeping is not much better than Sangakkara's is news to me. In fact, there were many fans who wanted him in the side sooner than later after the World Cup in South Africa, where Sangakkara made some match-losing blunders behind the stumps. Tharanga has age on his side. Let's see how JK Silva develops as a batsman.

 

[chaminda_00]

Frankly, there is not much point in having Mubarak as a seventh batsman to cushion the top six, because then you would have the thinnest cushion at that position. Even if you had someone who could score more runs, there will be four overworked bowlers, who may end up conceding more runs (in the dud overs) than the seven batsmen can score. Zoysa is one of the more obvious picks in the bowling, unlike Suresh Perera or LHD Dilhara, who can also score runs. As for Daniel's bowling, it's also worth a try, but is it of much use as a stock bowler? Maybe not, but it's better than overworking four ordinary bowlers.

Mubarak wouldn't be the seventh batsmen, Kapu would be.

I've heard more than a few complaints about Gayan Wijekoon to keep him out of the plan, though he's got better batting and bowling figures than most specialists, such as Kandamby and Mubarak. Likewise LHD Dilhara and Hashantha. I'm not too sure if they can make the national team on any skill, batting or bowling, or whether they can balance the team with both skills. Zoysa, on the other hand, is one of the better bowlers in the plan, and can fit into the team at least on that one skill. Mubarak may not get too many runs, but Zoysa will get you that extra wicket.

Kandamby and Muburak both suck, why do you keep bring them up.

That Prasanna's keeping is not much better than Sangakkara's is news to me. In fact, there were many fans who wanted him in the side sooner than later after the World Cup in South Africa, where Sangakkara made some match-losing blunders behind the stumps. Tharanga has age on his side. Let's see how JK Silva develops as a batsman.

Sangakkara improved his keeping a lot since the World Cup and really Prasanna batting has gone no where. JK Silva is already a better batsmen then him.

I can see where your coming from wanting Zoysa in the side cus he can hold the bat and other specialist batsmen have been useless with the bat. But even though Muburak in the sqaud (for whatever reason) Kapu would be the 7th batsmen. His a lot better option then picking Zoysa as the 5th bowler, cus occasionly he can score some runs. There is a reason why his average is so low with the bat, his too inconsistent.

Also IMO i rate Dilshan and Thilan bowling infront of Zoysa batting, so if they want to reduce the workload then throw then the bowl. Until we can produce an all rounder who can make the side as batsmen and bowler, then we are better of playing seven batsmen and four bowlers

 

[superkingdave]

So we've a few suggested teams for SL for the Eng A Match, what do people think the side will be for the Derbyshire match this weekend

 

[JASON]

So we've a few suggested teams for SL for the Eng A Match, what do people think the side will be for the Derbyshire match this weekend

I would play Murali and Vaas against Derbyshire just for the sake of getting them match fit with their liklihood of resting Vs England A.

So it should be

Tharanga
Vandort
Sangakkara (as batsman only)
Jayawardene
Dilshan
Kapugedera
Jayawardene (wicket keeper) or Mubarak (then Sanga keeps)
Maharoof
Vaas
Malinga
Murali

 

[chaminda_00]

I would play Murali and Vaas against Derbyshire just for the sake of getting them match fit with their liklihood of resting Vs England A.

So it should be

Tharanga
Vandort
Sangakkara (as batsman only)
Jayawardene
Dilshan
Kapugedera
Jayawardene (wicket keeper) or Mubarak (then Sanga keeps)
Maharoof
Vaas
Malinga
Murali

I would give Jayawardene a rest as well and give Sangakkara a go with the captaincy. We don't really need him to play all three lead up guys. Kapu at three, just incase they are considering him as a opener.

Tharanga
Vandort
Kapugedera
Sangakkara (c)
Dilshan
Mubarak
Jayawardene (wk)
Maharoof
Vaas
Malinga
Murali

 

[aussie]

even though its sad to see Gilo not playing, there could be a big positive to this in that England could get to play a 4-man seam attack & strengthen the batting this summer, since that will give them a much stronger team.

There is no reason why Vaughan cant marshall a 4-man pace attack successfully, Llyod & Richards did it so well. The fact is England don't need to play a spinner..

 

[BoyBrumby]

Personally I'd like to see a spinner for variety, even if he'll possibly be of only limited use in May. The picking of Loudon for the "A" team might show the way the selectors are thinking. He might be in the frame for a batting all-rounder spot @ 7.

With 7 front-line batters there's also the additional pro that Geraint's nominal batting isn't so vital for our balance & Read might get the nod.

Hey, a man can dream, can't he?!

 

[Goughy]

Personally I'd like to see a spinner for variety, even if he'll possibly be of only limited use in May. The picking of Loudon for the "A" team might show the way the selectors are thinking. He might be in the frame for a batting all-rounder spot @ 7.

With 7 front-line batters there's also the additional pro that Geraint's nominal batting isn't so vital for our balance & Read might get the nod.

What would the variety be if a spinner was included? Variety on the ability scale? 4 good bowlers and a bad one.

Ive always endorsed the best 11 players playing regardless of speciality and playing 7 batsmen if you have a player like Flintoff as the "fourth" bowler.

Read at 8 would be fine with me but so would Jones. Its not really a subject that worries me too much.

I would have Flintoff at 6 and Collingwood at 7. People don't generally appreciate the advantage 1 more partnership made of 2 batsmen gives a team.

 

[BoyBrumby]

What would the variety be if a spinner was included? Variety on the ability scale? 4 good bowlers and a bad one.

Ive always endorsed the best 11 players playing regardless of speciality and playing 7 batsmen if you have a player like Flintoff as the "fourth" bowler.

Read at 8 would be fine with me but so would Jones. Its not really a subject that worries me too much.

I would have Flintoff at 6 and Collingwood at 7. People don't generally appreciate the advantage 1 more partnership made of 2 batsmen gives a team.

You jest, surely? It certainly doesn't harm any cricket team to select an eleven that covers more than one eventuality. I concede that the chances of Lord's in May taking significant turn are relatively slim, but not so slim as to be going into a game with Kevin Pietersen as our main spinning option (I'm assuming here that MPV is unfit). Lord's in 2004 certainly took some turn, IIRC Gilo took 9 wickets v the Windies.

If this isn't in the selectors thinking what would be the point in choosing Loudon for the "A" team? I'd say there are players who are more worthy of consideration if only his batting has been taken into account.

 

[Goughy]

You jest, surely?

Only partially. I see no point in having a spinner just for the sake of variety. England do not have a test class spinner hence IMO no spinner should play. If a seamer is more likely to take wickets for you then they should be picked ahead of a very average tweaker.

Same goes in principle for a left arm quick being picked ahead of a better right arm seamer just because he supposedly adds variety.

Pick the best players. That is what wins games. Variety should only come into it if guys of different skills are equally threatening and talented.

 

[aussie]

You jest, surely? It certainly doesn't harm any cricket team to select an eleven that covers more than one eventuality. I concede that the chances of Lord's in May taking significant turn are relatively slim, but not so slim as to be going into a game with Kevin Pietersen as our main spinning option (I'm assuming here that MPV is unfit). Lord's in 2004 certainly took some turn, IIRC Gilo took 9 wickets v the Windies.

If this isn't in the selectors thinking what would be the point in choosing Loudon for the "A" team? I'd say there are players who are more worthy of consideration if only his batting has been taken into account.

well the thing is that was West Indies other than Lara & Chanderpaul they dont have any good players of spin & even in that test i dont think they (Lara & C'Paul) played Gilo to the best of their ability. Even on abrasive pitches like lord's 2004 as we saw in the ashes last year it will assit in enabling the ball to reverse-swing and out of the 4 seamers, 3 are very good at exploiting that. Unless its a raging turner i dont think England should play a spinner, since the 4-man attack can cut it in all-conditions..

 

[Mr Mxyzptlk]

Only partially. I see no point in having a spinner just for the sake of variety. England do not have a test class spinner hence IMO no spinner should play. If a seamer is more likely to take wickets for you then they should be picked ahead of a very average tweaker.

Same goes in principle for a left arm quick being picked ahead of a better right arm seamer just because he supposedly adds variety.

Pick the best players. That is what wins games. Variety should only come into it if guys of different skills are equally threatening and talented.

But they already go in with four seamers, at least two of which are world class. Having a spinner in the side offers you more options if the seamers just aren't getting through. Then if it turns late in the game, it's an even bigger bonus.

The England seam attack is strong enough that they don't really need another seamer about. Consider also that Matthew Hoggard can bowl forever.

The presence of Flintoff in the side means that England can afford to play a "useful" spinner in the name of variety, once he can bat handily too.

 

[adharcric]

Considering the fragility (IMO) of England's batting lineup, an extra specialist batsman will usually mean more than a specialist spinner for variety. On tracks offering turn, a spinner can be played; otherwise, England don't have a spinner worthy of being played irregardless of the conditions.

Trescothick, Strauss, Vaughan*, Bell, Pietersen, Flintoff, Collingwood, GJones+, SJones, Harmison, Hoggard

Collingwood is miles ahead of whoever would field at backward point in his absence.
Cook, Shah, Anderson and a spinner (Giles if fit, otherwise Panesar) as reserves.
Now, Giles being played is acceptable as he is proven with the bat and takes care of some of that fragility ... the rest don't.

 

[dinu23]

I would give Jayawardene a rest as well and give Sangakkara a go with the captaincy. We don't really need him to play all three lead up guys. Kapu at three, just incase they are considering him as a opener.

Tharanga
Vandort
Kapugedera
Sangakkara (c)
Dilshan
Mubarak
Jayawardene (wk)
Maharoof
Vaas
Malinga
Murali

I think Mahela should play all of the remaining matches. He didn't bat well in the last couple of games. he needs to find his feet soon or SL will be in deeper trouble.

 

[Goughy]

But they already go in with four seamers, at least two of which are world class. Having a spinner in the side offers you more options if the seamers just aren't getting through. Then if it turns late in the game, it's an even bigger bonus.

The England seam attack is strong enough that they don't really need another seamer about. Consider also that Matthew Hoggard can bowl forever.

Take the extra batsman every time rather than an average spinner, who when he bowls is taking overs away from better players (ie the quicks)

 

[JASON]

I think Mahela should play all of the remaining matches. He didn't bat well in the last couple of games. he needs to find his feet soon or SL will be in deeper trouble.

Thats exactly my thoughts too , which is why I incuded him at the expense of Mubarak .

 

[JASON]

For the England A game I hope SL rest Vaas, Murali and Sanga . (as these are guys who will be crucial for SL in the Test starting 11th of May and we cannot afford these guys pulling up injured before the Test)

 

[dinu23]

If Vandort doesn't play well in this match he should not make it to the test side.

 

[chaminda_00]

I would give Jayawardene a rest as well and give Sangakkara a go with the captaincy. We don't really need him to play all three lead up guys. Kapu at three, just incase they are considering him as a opener.

Tharanga
Vandort
Kapugedera
Sangakkara (c)
Dilshan
Mubarak
Jayawardene (wk)
Maharoof
Vaas
Malinga
Murali

LOL only Vaas isn't playing in the side i said they should play against Derbyshire. Zoysa getting another game which is fair enough.