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Aussie visit: A different ball game - Hashan
By Bernie Wijesekera
"Unlike playing against England here, during the last series winning one-nil it’s a different ball game when Sri Lanka cricket team confronts Australia in the forthcoming series later this month", said Test Captain Hashan Tillekeratne, in an interview after a strenuous training session at the NCC grounds.

"Sri Lanka, will be playing against the top team in both formulas (Test and one day). The Aussies will be led by Ricky Ponting after a hard-fought test series against India. It’s no let up by Ponting, who will be leading the test side for the first time said", Tillekeratne.

"We have done it in the past, the Lankan team must strive to stretch them in our own backyard. Put aside other issues all must rally around the 'Lion Flag' to make it an exciting series for all to enjoy. It's a wake-up call to my teammates to uplift the country's cricketing image in the international scene", added the Sri Lanka skipper.

Q: What is the difference between the English and Aussie teams?.
A: The Englishmen does not possess the all-round ability to be in control be it their batting or bowling. The Australian side has tremendous batting depth and a varied attack. Put aside their paceman, the spinners are adequate to adjust themselves to exploit the conditions. Andrew Symonds the coloured player in the side born in Birmingham, could make the test as a batting all-rounder. He bowls off-spin. Our batsmen are quite competent to stand upto them with better application and concentration and play a long innings.

Q: In some quarters they say you are a defensive captain to lead the side?.
A: I am quite use to unfair criticism. Let them have their say. At the same time I have got unwarranted praise, too. Then why worry just ignore these critics and get on with the game. Let them have their say, but I will have my way on and off the field for the greater good of the game and for the country.
But I would like to mention some of the arm-chair critics shouldn't create dissension in the team. But create peace and harmony and strengthen the morale of the team. In the end it's the country's image that will suffer.

Q: Sri Lanka was able to break an 18-month drought against England to win 1-0 under your leadership?.
A: It could have been 3-0 if not for the unkind weather gods. This was not a personal effort of mine. The entire team contributed to make it a reality.

Q: What sort of preparation in collaboration with the administration you have made for the forthcoming gruelling series against the Kangaroos?.
A: It will be batting tracks that will last the entire duration. In test cricket one has much to learn and enjoy unlike the cowboy game. Be for the spectators and for the kids. It needs planning and strategy. The Aussie tour is an ideal barometer to judge the Lankan strength, The batsmen and the bowlers must learn to play under pressure.

Q: What about the composition of the team. Any injuries to players in the squad?.
A: The team management is still to decide. The final squad will be known on February 9th. There are injuries. Main strike bowler Dilhara Fernando is confronted with a back injury. He will be out probably for four weeks.

But may be ready for the test series. He will have to undergo a fitness test. Strongly-built Prabath Nissanka will be out. Nuwan de Zoysa, has recovered and could be considered. He is improving his rhythm with John Dyson's guidance. As mentioned earlier Sri Lanka has a set of hostile fast bowlers to match the best in the trade. But they must be nursed and nurtured. Workhorse Chaminda Vaas will spearhead the attack. He has been grinding to the hilt. His gritty batting in the lower order has served the team's course. But Vaas needs a supporting bowler to share the cherry, who could fire to a line and length.

Q: Are you going to pin faith on 'Murali' alone to baffle the opponents. The ace spinner can't perform miracles all the time. Isn't it better to groom a spinner for the future?.
A: The Aussies with the probable return of Warne, Brad Hogg (left-arm) Andrew Symonds (off-spin) is in peak form as a dashing batsman. He could be drafted into the test side depending on the pitch. Plans are afoot to include a spinner to pair 'Murali'. It will be Kaushalya Lokkuarachchi the leg-spinner. He has the will-power and courage to strengthen the lower-order batting too. Jayasuriya the crafty left-arm spinner will assist them.

Q: What about the batting line-up and the wicket-keeper?.
A: Our ploy will be seven batsman - including the wicket-keeper Kaluwitharane, the best behind the sticks. The other being the dashing wicket-keeper batsman, Kumar Sangakkara. This will pave the way for an extra batsman.

Q: Do you agree this seven batsmen ploy, failed against England. What the team needs is an all-rounder to make it a balanced side?.
A: Yes, we will have to give serious thought to this effect when we finalise the squad. Sangakkara could curb himself and cut down his frills and concentrate, he could be Sri Lanka's Adam Gilchrist. He's a fluent strokeplayer.

Q: What about sledging?
A: Forget the past. One needs two hands to clap. The team is not going to get involved, but maintain the dignity of the game. The Lankans have earned much admiration on and off the field for their sportsmanship. Cricket must be played with the willow and the cherry but not with the mouth.

The players are quite aware even if things go against them. No doubt the Aussies are a perfectly balanced side, but the Lankans could match them with high quality cricket. Maintain the true spirit of the game to the end. The outcome is secondary. That's what this glorious game is all about concluded Tillekeratne.

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