http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 V Sri Lanka-2nd Test: Match Preview
England and Sri Lanka are set to meet at the historical ground of Lord’s in the 2nd Test of the series of three on June 3. Prior to it, England has won the 1st Test at Cardiff by an innings and 14 runs, thanks to their strong batting line-up.
The coming game is going to be a make-or-break match for Sri Lanka as defeat will put the series in England’s lap.
On the other side, the English, with their long-cherished hope to become the world No 1 Test side, are enthusiast to win the series.
The first defeat has done a lot to lower down the morals of the Lanka players who are playing this series with entirely a new look.
Last Match legacy
The lasty match legacy will have a great say in Friday’s game. The two teams played their last Test game from May 26 to 30 at Cardiff. With their just one batting innings, the English clinched the victory comfortably. The bowling drawbacks of Sri Lanka were
fully exposed.
Team Talk
England: They are much emboldened by their two back to back Ashes victories.
They have proved to be a strong and invincible Test side during last couple of years.
Consistency is the marked feature of the team.
The skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AJ-Strauss-c964, having given in the ODI leadership, is focusing totally on the Test side.
The team has a rock-solid batting line-up with Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IJL-Trott-c1576 at the top, the last one scored two Stirling tons in the last game.
The bowling side is also strong with Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann in good form.
However, the unavailability of the top pacer,http://www.senore.com/Cricket/JM-Anderson-c1705, will be felt in the game.
England has called the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Surrey-c851 pacer, Jade Dernbach, in place of Jimmy.
England’s ambition to elevate to the top Test rank of the International Cricket Council (http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ICC-World-Cup-2011-c100625) is the biggest source of strength for them.
Sri Lanka: Unlike their rivals, Sri Lanka has entirely a new look. After their World Cup demise, they have changed a lot in the playing XI.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779.
The biggest change and loss for Sri Lanka is the absence of their two top bowlers, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540, both have retired from Test cricket.
The team is playing the series with a fragile and inexperienced bowling order. The bowlers failed badly in the 1st Test
Batting has always been http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HAPW-Jayawardene-c1529 are capable of delivering well in every type of conditions.
Pitch of Lord’s
Established in 1841, Lord’s regarded as the ‘Home of Cricket’. The venue, apart from holding the world’s biggest cricket museum, has many international cricket events to its credit. Every player considers it a great honour for him to play at Lord’s .
England has a good record at the wicket. They won last 4 Tests that were played at Lord’s.
A large crowd is expected at this historical venue as England is returning to the ground after a long interval.
The weather on June 3 will be mostly sunny with the temperate being 72°-56°F. However, the weather will turn to be partly cloudy at the 3rd day of the Test. Wind is also expected there.
Expected squads:
England Squad: Andrew Strauss (c), http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ST-Finn-c2566.
Sri Lanka Squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (c), http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HMRKB-Herath-c1559,
Suraj Randiv, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TT-Samaraweera-c2712, Thissara Perera,
Last word
The 2nd Test is expected to be a close competition as Sri Lanka has learnt a lot from their last failure. It will be a crucial game for Sri Lanka as they have to struggle for face-saving. The English will also try their best to give a good show.
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