Sri Lanka should give the Kiwis a good run - Mahela

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE from New Zealand

CRICKET: It dawned a nice and sunny day in Christchurch, which was welcomed by the Sri Lanka cricketers after somewhat cold and windy playing conditions in Dunedin.

The cricketers who are determined to do their best, putting their past reversals behind them, got to the nets and every player had a bat and bowl, while they did not neglect the important aspect of fielding.

'Catches win matches'. It is said and skipper Mahela Jayawardena and coach Tom Moody were hitting it into the players that the fielding has to be tops, especially the catching.

Dropped catches don't necessarily lose matches, but it can make winning that much more difficult.

Jayawardena was particularly happy the way his team performed against Otago. The game was curtailed by rain, yet the batsmen and bowlers showed that they are quickly getting acclimatised to the conditions, which is very important on a hour like this.

'I am happy the way the team performed. On this form we should give the Kiwis a good run. We are determined to beat them in their own backyard and if we can take this form forward, then there is no reason why we should not be first at the post', said the skipper who was exuding confidence the way he spoke.

Upul Tharanga who has got into the good habit of scoring hundreds, continued that way, and if he makes it his business to getting among the runs, should along with powerhouse Sanath Jayasuriya give the Lankans the start they need to build a formidable score and put pressure on the home team.

Kumar Sangakkaras steadying influence with the bat, has rubbed off on the remaining batsmen and they all seem to be ready to play long innings.

Jayawardena the most technically correct batsman in the side, was also middling the ball well and if Sangakkara and Jayawardena are able to perform the act they did against the South Africans, then cricket fans here are in for a treat.

Tillekeratne Dilshan's form coming on this tour was not what it should have been. But if the way he batted against Otago was an indication, then he too is slowly and surely slipping into form.

Chamara Kapugedera and Chamara Silva were treats to watch. Both are dashing batsmen and they gave the Otago bowlers a good bashing.

The Lankans did not play their two best bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, because they will have a lot of work to do in the Tests and the one-dayers.

Matthew Sinclair who was recalled by the Kiwis, expressed fear in facing Muralithrana. That statement would had a demoralising effect on the other members.

If it stays that way going into the Test on Thursday, then Muralitharan would be running rings around their batsmen.

Skipper Jayawardena must be silently praying that Dilhara Fernando will shed his no balling habit and start getting his line and length right.

With the wickets here being pace and bounce friendly, his express speed could be disconcerting to the Kiwi batsmen.

CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday