Mathews leads Lankans to England aiming to be….:

CHAMPIONS

By Elmo Rodrigopulle

The Sri Lanka cricketers took wing for England yesterday to contest and attempt to win the International Cricket Council’s Champions Trophy beginning on June 6 with matches being played in Cardiff, Birmingham and London Oval.

The other Test playing countries also making a bid for the trophy are Australia, England, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies. Sri Lanka is in Group ‘A’ with Australia, England and New Zealand. Group ‘B’ consists of South Africa, India, Pakistan and West Indies.

The Lankans will be playing three practice games against Pakistan on May 30 (D/N) and the two games against India on June 1 and West Indies on June 4, both games are day/nighters in Edgbaston.

Sri Lanka play their first game against New Zealand in Cardiff on June 9 followed by games against England and Australia on June 13 and on June 17 at the Kennington Oval in London. The last two games are day/nighters.

In a tough group

The Lankans are in a tough group which also includes reigning champions Australia and must win at least two games to continue their progress and attempt to bring the trophy home that is on offer for the last time.

With most of the players involved in the Indian Premier League, the team could not play or practice together and how they will settle down in conditions in England and deliver will be interesting to watch. But I make bold to say considering the poor form that all our leading players showed in the IPL, that they will find it tough and grueling to make progress. With the poor form and in addition being benched, their confidence must be shattered.

Confidence shattered

A lot will depend on our veterans, Captain Angelo Mathews, Mahela Jayewardene Tillekeratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga to fire. At the moment they are wriggling for form.

Mathews will be making his first tour abroad as Captain with the national team. He will have to perform in all aspects – captaincy, batting, bowling and fielding and inspire the team. If he fails it could be damaging to the team and its progress all round.

Correct technique

A lot will depend on Vice Captain Dinesh Chandimal. Chandimal has the correct technique and temperament for the big time and has a century to his credit at Lord’s and this should inspire him.

Pity that the only left arm bowler who could make the wobble about Chanaka Welegedera was injured and ruled out of the tournament. He has been plagued with injuries which is a sign that his fitness levels are poor.

Welegedera going out brings in another promising medium paced bowling all rounder Dilhara Hettige. Hettige is quite lively and moves the ball both ways. But he is unlikely to play. With the only left arm bowler missing, it will be an all out right arm medium pace attack.

The Tour squad:

The Sri Lankan tour squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dinesh Chandimal (Vice Captain), Tillekeratne Dilshan, Mahela Jayewardene, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulesekera, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perea, Shamindra Eranga, Lsith Malinga, Kushal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachitra Senenayke, Lahiru Thirimanne and Dilhara Hettige. Selector on tour Chaminda Mendis.