Sports

Sports

Despite the odds Aussies will rise says Gilchrist
By Marlon Fernandopulle
Despite playing in conditions that are alien to his players Australia vice captain Adam Gilchrist believes his team will rise up to the challenge and play to their strengths in the forthcoming five match one day series which begins in Dambulla this week.

Speaking to the Sunday times last evening the Australian vice captain said,"We are well aware of the different conditions in this part of the world-slow wickets, low bounce,prolific turn etc.We do not want to emphasize on these differences. Our style has always been very positive and aggressive. We will make sure that we execute all our plans".

Speaking further on his teams chances the dashing left hander said,"Our confidence is up after the VB series where we lost only one game and later played really well and up to expectations in the finals. We have just gained the right momentum and hope to carry on from there".

However the wicket-keeper opening batsman was well aware of the opposition they will face. "Sri Lanka is a fine side. Their confidence is high and they believe in themselves. They have a terrific record at home". Gilchrist was of the view that medium pacer Chaminda Vaas will have to be closely watched by the Australians. "Vaas always gives Sri Lanka a very good start. He gets that vital wicket or two early in the innings that exposes the middle order and puts the pressure. We need to see him through and have enough wickets untill the end-that is really important in one dayers".

The vice captain also said that he and his team will be looking forward to the battle with Muralitharan. "Murali is simply amazing. He has knocked over every batsman in the world and it's a huge challenge for me and the other guys to battle with Murali".

World record holder Matthew Hayden was of the view that he and his current teammates have adapted very well to the change of conditions in this part of the world. "Our adaptation to slow and low wickets have improved very much. We now play spinners very well as was demonstrated during our last tour of India. Sri Lanka will be a similar task and we are confident we can stand upto this".

When asked whether as a left hander he will have to shoulder most of the burden of countering Muralitharan, Hayden replied saying "During the last tour Ponting played Muralitharan and the spinners very well. In fact today all of our batsmen play spinners well and are looking forward to play against the world class spinner. I love to play Murali".

Australian coach John Bucaanan believes that the Lankans have got a very strong outfit. "You have some fine batsman. Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene to name a few. And when it comes to the bowling it's not only Muralitharan but we have to be very watchful of Chaminda Vaas as well".The Coach admitted that Glen Mcgrath and Shane Warne will be missed but was optimistic that Shane Warne would return for the test series.

Top