Sri Lanka’s Test captain Angelo Matthews (28 years old) who has played 52 Test matches, hitting seven centuries, 22 fifties and averaging 52:07 is very confident with his squad that has been chosen to oppose the West Indies starting in October. Middle order batsman Dinesh Chandimal (25 years) who already scored four centuries and eight fifties from 21 matches is said to be a major player for the home team.
RANGANA HERATH MAY POSE BOWLING THREAT
Sri Lanka’s left-arm orthodox bowler Rangana Herath is on top of his game as he prepares to compete against the West Indies. He has taken 278 wickets in his 63 Test matches and 22 five-wicket haul. West Indies will have to be prepared to play some hostile seam bowling and accurate spinners from the home team. Sri Lankan cricketers perform very well on home soil and their spectators are phenomenal and very supportive.
WEST INDIES CRICKETERS MUST RISE TO THE OCCASION
The time has come for West Indies cricketers to perform at quality best and use cricket intelligence as their modus operandi. Test cricket must be played with the discipline that it requires. Head Coach Lendl Simmons has a tough agenda ahead of him, particularly convincing the inexperienced players how to go about their tour.
TAYLOR, ROACH, BISHOO MUST LEAD THE WAY
Jerome Taylor (31 years), has taken 122 Test wickets after 41 matches with his best figures being 96 for 47. Kemar Roach (32) has played 32 matches and took 120 wickets and his best figures were 6 for 48. Devendra Bishoo (29) who has only played 12 Test matches has already taken 50 wickets with his best being 6 for 80.
It is imperative for new Test captain Jason Holder to understand that Bishoo is not the type of bowler for long spells. He is much more effective when he is given short and frequent spells. West Indies players must learn the requirements that are needed to come out successful in a Test match. Patience is the main ingredient in the process of learning.
