Sri Lanka makes cautious start but avoid follow-on – Cricket News Roundup – July 4, 2012 – Part 2
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 avoided follow-on during the opening session of the final day of the second Test against Pakistan, which further saw Kumar Sangakkara bringing up his 150.
The Lankans made a cautious start with Sangakkara resuming from his overnight score of 144, alongside http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AD-Mathews-c913. After weathering the early new-ball threat, the Lankans grew in confidence and added 89 in the opening session’s play.
Earlier http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 had declared on an intimidating 551 for 6 but persistent rain interruptions have made draw as the most likely outcome. The hosts currently lead the series 1-0 after winning the opening Test at Galle.
Sri Lankan Premier League will have two international icons in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482, a move expected to boost tournament’s viewership, beginning from August 10.
Gayle has been named as the icon player for Uva, while Afridi will be leading Nagenahira. Both players are widely regarded as the deadliest exponents in the T20 form of cricket.
The other icon players are all from Sri Lanka – http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397 ( Wayamba). The league will end on August 31, with player auction taking place on July 5 and 6.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Guptill-c1980, says his side is in confident mood going into the five-match ODI series against West Indies, despite suffering defeats in the T20 arena.
The Kiwis lost both shortest versions encounters, played at Florida, comprehensively which further saw them suffering from injuries to key players, including http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849.
The five-match ODI series begins from July 5 and Guptill is adamant that his side is not here to compete only. "We're expecting to win, we're not just here to compete,” he said.
Australian batter, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 despite losing the opening two encounters.
The Aussies, who are the no.1 ranked side, could relinquish their title if they suffer a clean sweep. However, Bailey says that the morale in the camp is high and the only focus remains on winning the remaining matches.
“If we play as well as we should, it will be very difficult for them to win 5-0."They are doing the basics better than us. But that's the exciting thing. We haven't played very good cricket yet," said Bailey.
Tags: