Ind, SL start on an even keel, a good test before WC 2015
After West Indies called off the tour mid way, India looks to start afresh with the five-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, a team that has been on a roll with the triumphs in Asia Cup, T-20 World Cup, as well as ODI series against England and Pakistan. The series is on an even keel with Lasith Malinga and Mohammad Shami ruled out of the competition due to injuries. However, the Indians will miss the presence of MS Dhoni who has been rested in the ODI series, with the first one kicking off in Cuttack today.
Batting Paradise
The pitch at Barabati Stadium is expected to be full of runs with no real grass on the surface, encouraging batsmen to go for the onslaught in the first 15-20 overs. On one side, Sri Lanka will be counting on the likes of Angelo Matthews Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Dilshan and power hitters like Thisara Parera and Nuwan Kulasekara to see them seal the ODI series. On the other side, Indians will look to capitalize on their batting arsenal boasting of big names like Virat Kohli, Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan to maintain their dominance over Sri Lanka in their backyard. Besides all rounders Jadeja and Ashwin are going to add more bite towards the end of the innings with useful contributions from bat. Expect a lot of fireworks to light up the cracking encounter between these two sub-continent giants.
Bowling at the death crucial
Bowling at the death will be the key to win the ODI series as both teams despite having strong batting line-ups will continue to grapple with the thought of finding bowlers who can stop the batsmen from going to the rampage in the final overs. Onus would be on Nuwan Kulasekara and Umesh Yadav to shoulder out this massive responsibility for their respective sides in the absence of Lasith Malinga and Mohammad Shami. The Cuttack ODI and the matches to follow will be a good chance for the bowlers to prove their prowess bowling at the death.
Good preparation before WC 2015
With barely three months to go for the quadrennial showpiece WC 2015 down under, the series presents an excellent opportunity for both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses so that they can prepare in real earnest for the mega event. Remember these two sides featured in the final during WC 2011 and given the form they are in, one can expect them to be the fierce contenders for the upcoming World Cup.
PS – This article is written by Intern Vikas.