SL Cricketers on contract standoff prior to Zim Tour

[CrimsonAvenger]

Not related to Zim Cricket directly, but you can take a look at the kind of money SL cricketers are being offered (before and now) and how their performance based enhancements plan is not going down too well with the players: http://www.wisdenindia.com/sri-lanka-ne ... off/226139

This might get resolved soon and a the tour should go ahead, but Zimbabwe cricketers and their contracts standoff, as well as our own performance based payments plan that got discussed in the forum a few days back could be seen in this light as well.

By the way, not getting too excited by the chances, but isn't this the best time to play SL in over a decade? The legends have retired, Mathews has an injury scare and has been up and down on form of late, Chandimal has an injury scare too, and their fast bowling brigade is totally in a miserable state with a lot of injuries. Herath the major threat, but prepare seaming wickets in Harare and we should be in with a chance here, given the decent match practice for our guys vs Pak A. Now this contracts related distraction to deal with too, for them. I say, bring on the SL tests, may be we have a chance to put one across at HSC...

[Jemisi]

SL has done well lately in spite of being weakened by the factors you mention, but I still agree with you. We have our best shot at breaking our duck - assuming they play a decent XI.

[Kriterion_BD]

After watching SL destroy Austraila 3-0, I said no chance for ZIM.

But, if - and its a big if - you make a TOTAL minefield of a pitch at HSC, you have a shot. I'm talking an emerald carpet here. SL's pacers are probably the weakest of the Test nations after ZIM. If Chameera plays, that doubles their pace stocks single handedly, but he's inexperienced.

Chandimal, Matthews, are the real threats on the batting front. But the real prize wicket will be Kusal Mendis. Terrific young talent.

But on a shootout pitch, ZIM have a chance. Just like the low scoring thriller vs PAK from a few years ago.

Anything other than a pacy greentop, and ZIM will falter with generous help from the umpires or some other freak event.

[TapsC]

I agree..we NEED a pacer's Paradise if we are to stand any kind of chance. the first test is key because they will definitely be underestimating us. I have always felt most of our batsmen play better against pace compared to spin and that was one of the major reasons why we were competitive in most matches at the world cup down under. I have actually never understood why we still prefer turning pitches when half our batsmen can't play spin. one of the biggest mistakes we make in my opinion. Vitori and Mumba might shock a few people if they are given the right conditions.

[CrimsonAvenger]

I have actually never understood why we still prefer turning pitches when half our batsmen can't play spin.

That preference was only against teams that have perceived weakness on slow wickets, and more importantly, have more potent pace attack than ours (like SA, NZ). It is better to prepare slow road like wickets than be blown away by their attacks. Makes complete sense there. And to our credit, we could actually drag those tests longer than what we could have if we had given their bowlers juicy pitches to bowl on.

But when we do play teams that have deficiency in their own pace attack or if their batting is suspect on seaming conditions (SL, Pak) it is of course most sensible to go for seaming green tops. We must do that against SL, no question.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Latest on the SLC contract standoff: http://www.dailymirror.lk/article/SLC-s ... 17771.html

“We have given them time till tomorrow (October 20) to accept the new terms,” said Ashley de Silva, CEO Sri Lanka Cricket. “We met them this morning (19) and handed over the contract papers to sign. Hopefully by tomorrow (20) they will sign and return it to us”.
...
The possibility that Sri Lanka will send a second string squad for the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe and a subsequent Tri-Series also involving West Indies is real and growing.

[CrimsonAvenger]

The Lankan impasse is over. Full strength team would be touring: http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat ... tle=154105

[CrimsonAvenger]

SL squad for Zim Tests:
Angelo Mathews (capt), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Madhushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Gamage, Suranga Lakmal, Asela Gunaratne

Chandimal the only big name to miss out.

As Kriterion says, Kusal Mendis is special. Dhananjaya de Silva is all lazy elegance a la Laxman / Jayawardene too. So, we have our work cut out.

[tawac]

Chandimal misses out with an injury.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Looks like Mathews is out injured too, and it appears as if Rangana Herath would be captaining SL in the Zim tests. Great honour for one of the most unsung servants of SL cricket and the game itself.