Chamara to make his Test debut

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE from New Zealand

CRICKET: Dashing right hand batsman and brilliant fielder Chamara Silva will proudly sport his first Test cap when he takes the field for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in the first of two Test matches starting at the Jade Stadium, here in Christchurch on Thursday.

Silva was all smiles when the news of his selection was broken to him by skipper Mahela Jayawardena on Tuesday evening. Silva had earlier played one-day internationals for the country.

Making room for Silva to be slotted in, unfortunately is Tillekeratne Dilshan whose form in recent times with the bat was not what it should have been. He is suffering a sudden slump which all batsmen go through. It is hoped that he will come back soon.

Silva rightfully earned his spurs after two grand knocks against Otago in the four-day practice game in Dunedin. In that game Silva was in blistering form and his four sixes in the second innings brightened a gloomy day's play that was cut short by rain.

It was refreshing to note that the Sri Lankan selectors on tour had decided to select the playing squad two days ahead of the Test. It is customary for the selectors to delay naming the playing eleven for the morning of the match and after having a close look and a feel of the turf. Good on the selectors.

"The wicket has been covered and there was no way that we could have had a look at it, but it is expected to be flat and is not expected to sport much grass on it. We have decided to go in with seven batsmen, three pacemen and spinner. Chaminda Vaas who will have to perform the all rounder's role.

For supporting spin there is Sanath Jayasuriya", said Mahela Jayawardena who looked a happy and contended skipper. For the Lankans this Test, the other one in Wellington and the five one-dayers to follow will be of utmost importance. It is hoped that they will give continuity to the victories chalked up against South Africa at home.

After that they disappointed in the Internationals in the ICC Champions Trophy in India.

Skipper Jayawardena is determined to put those reversals behind them and stuff the Kiwis in their patch.

Winning the toss and batting first would be of utmost importance to the Sri Lankans. If they could run up a formidable score, they could put pressure on the Kiwis and take all honours and even beat them.

In this aspect a lot will depend on openers Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga to give the Lankans a good start. Both are devastating batsmen when they get going and they must make it their business to settle down and post a grand start for the rest of the batsmen to build on.

Jayasuriya has the tendency to drag the ball onto his wicket. That is because he is not getting in line with the ball. But then that is his style of play and it is hoped that he will make a big score.

Tharanga's century was a brilliant act. If he settles down quickly he could break out into some lovely and devastating stroke play. As usual a big responsibility would rest on the shoulders of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena.

Very experienced, the duo will be marked by the Kiwi bowlers who are aware that if allowed to blossom could pulverize the bowling. To get them early would be skipper Stephen Fleming's orders to his bowlers. Jayawardena and Sangakkara have it in them to ride any storm and come good.

Chamara Kapugedera, Chamara Silva and Prasanna Jayawardena, the wicket keeper are all capable batsmen and can be counted on for big scores.

Kapugedera has been out of the game for sometime and must be itching to get out into the middle and show his mettle. Silva is sure to grab the long awaited opportunity and cock a snook at his detractors. Jayawardena too, is sure to be among the runs.

Chaminda Vaas who has improved his batting and is now one of the best allrounder's in the game today, has promised to make his first three figure score on this tour.

If the confident manner in which he is batting is an indication, then he could realise his dream. Ferveez Maharoof too should come good.

The task of skittling out the Kiwis will be in the efficient hands of Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Ferveez Maharoof, Muttiah Muralitheran and Sanath Jayasuriya. Vaas who has now sacrificed pace for seam and swing is always threatening. Muralitheran will have to carry the brunt.

With the Kiwis carrying a strong batting line up, the Lankans would have to be at their best when fielding.

Craig Cumming and Jamie How will open for the Kiwis with blasters in the form of Matthew Sinclair, Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle to follow.

Daniel Vettori too is in great form with the bat and his spinners too could prove troublesome to the Lankans. Shane Bond who bowls with express speed would be the one who the Lankans would have to fear.

All in all a good Test match is on the cards. One hopes that it would be another one, like the heart stopper played out by the Australians and England in Adelaide and may Sri Lanka be the winners.

The umpires will be Simon Taufell of Australia and Brian Jerling of South Africa with former Indian pacie Javagal Srinath as Match Referee.

CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday