Sri Lankans won't find it easy against Kiwis

CRICKET: Tom Moody, the Sri Lankan cricket coach was way off the mark when he said that the seven-week tour is a vital part of the World Cup build-up, on arrival in Christchurch on Monday.

The weather here is certainly not what it is going to be in the Caribbean. It is cold and windy here and the Lankans are not going to find it easy facing the Kiwis in the Two Test matches and the Five one-day internationals.

The wickets here too are bound to carry more bounce and pace, not what the Lankans would like and seam movement too would trouble the Lankan batsmen.

A better preparation in our endeavour for the World Cup would have been to play in conditions that are similar to the conditions in the West Indies.

The Sri Lankans who are in the know here, were surprised that the Lankans agreed to tour here.

They say that it was the turn of the Indians to tour here. When they said no, it was offered to Bangaladesh who also refused.

Then why did Sri Lanka have to agree to tour?

The Kiwis in home conditions and on wickets that they are conversant with are sure going to torment the Lankans and beat them, unless the Lankans can quickly adjust to the conditions and the wickets and dump the Kiwis in their den.

If the Lankans were to lose to the Kiwis, it would certainly upset their confidence and morale and they would not be in the frame that they would like to be in.

Moody sounded positive when he said that after the recent Test wins against South Africa at home, he would like to give continuity to that.

While the Lankans would be wanting to do well in the Two Test matches, they would be having the over the moon feeling if they could rub the Kiwis in the one-dayers.

Every country figuring in the World Cup have made it their target, considering the prestige and the big money to be pocketed.

The jobs of coaches such as Tom Moody, Greg Chappell, Bob Woolmer, Mickey Arthur and Dav, What more are all on the line, unless they can help their teams to carry away the World Cup.

As for the Lankans they performed the miracle under the able leadership of Captain Cool, Arjuna Ranatunga in 1995/'96 in Lahore, Pakistan.

To perform similarly, will be the longing of Mahela Jayawardena's team when they take their challenge to the Caribbean early next year.