Sri Lanka vs http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 – 1st Test – Match Preview
Another spin trial awaits New Zealand as they gear up to tackle Sri Lanka in the first of the two-match Test series, starting today, November 17, 2012, at the Galle International Stadium.
The tourists have indeed endured a troublesome period away from home and pressure remains on their batters to finally deliver them the much-needed success. After being rolled over in their last two away series, 2-0 each time by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808.
Their performances in the ODI arena were hindered by the prevailing conditions in Sri Lanka, where rain played a major part in ensuring that they remained without a win in the ongoing tour so far. Having said that, the rain around may just allow their bowlers some respite on an otherwise spin friendly strip at Galle.
They will first hope that luck favours them after they lost key tosses during the ODI series and had to watch the Duck-worth Lewis method halting their progress. With the D/L system taking a backseat in the longer version, only strong performances will ensure that they outsmart their opponents.
Skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849, wants his side to show aggressive batting intent after asserting that the only way to achieve success will be to go on an all out attack. However, much will depend on how they tackle the Lankan spinners.
They fell considerably short while facing the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Hyderabad-c792.
Their record against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Muralitharan-c1864.
"We don't have to contend with Muralitharan which is always a nice thing. We've still got to play well ourselves and concentrate on what we can do well. But definitely their bowling line-up is an area we can target.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Guptill-c1980 makes a return to the side after being rested for the ODI series. He has easily established himself as one of their most accomplished players, and his presence at the top will be key.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Doug-Bracewell-c1394 to get the nod.
The home side will be aiming to keep their momentum going as this series is mainly seen as preparation for the next tour, which is against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Frank-Dimuth-Madushanka-Karunaratne-c57388.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802. Herath and Suraj Randiv will be the two spin options.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/HAPW-Jayawardene-c1529, the two Test specialists, will bolster the batting line-up.
The pitch will be dry, giving plenty of assistance to the slow bowlers. However, rain may spice things up and allow fast bowlers added bounce.
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