http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 Look Forward For the First ODI
The memories of rain-swept test series between Sri Lanka and West Indies will automatically be replaced when both the teams come face-to-face in the first one-day international on Thursday.
The one-day series which comprises of five matches will extend the opportunity for both the teams to decide the final compositions of their squads for the upcoming cricket world cup, going to be held in coming February.
The event will also provide a chance to the skippers from both sides to iron out a couple of selection issues before the big event gets closer.
The ODI series will have its first two matches in the newly built stadium of Hambantota, which has also been reported to host two of the World Cup matches next year and T20 World Cup event in 2012.
Rest of the three matches of the series will be played at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, which has been recently renovated for the upcoming world cup as the stadium will also be hosting a couple of World Cup matches. All of the
matches of the current series will be played under floodlights.
West Indian side has been beefed up by the return of Kieron Pollard, the big-hitting batsman, along with players like Nikita Miller; the left arm spinner, pace-man Ravi Rampaul and another impressive batsman Kirk Edwards. Besides
being a part of the 15-member one-day squad, all of these players, most probably, will also take part into the only T20 international scheduled with the current visit.
Pollard, the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians star, wanted to replicate what his club had taught him, and was much focused in contributing towards the success of his team. Talking to the reporters he said: “I don’t think I have a point to prove,
but I want to improve my performance at the international level and make the most of the opportunities on this tour.”
The 23-year old emphatic batsman had played a pivotal role in team Mumbai’s success at the Indian Premier League event earlier this year when Sachin Tendulkar led the squad to the finals of the event, however, his team could not
prevail against the Chennai Super Kings.
Besides Pollard displaying his potential as a reliable captain in the soon-to-begin series, Sammy, who has been leading the team for the first time at international level, will also be judged against the talented and aggressive
Sri Lankans.
Tags: