One of the main problems with Limited Overs Cricket, is that there is so much of it. ODI and T20 series are cobbled together frequently without much context or meaning behind them.
Usually, the lack of context can be forgiven as long as all parties involved are satisfied. For the Administration, the desired gain is financial, while the average cricket fan can usually be satisfied with good entertainment. It is somewhat questionable whether the upcoming series against New Zealand ticks enough of those boxes.
There is certainly very little context. The series carries next to no importance in the long term, unless a newcomer takes the opportunity to seal his spot in the international arena. It is however, a stepping stone to the 2015 World Cup, as long as the youngsters are given enough opportunities to state their case.
New Zealand has not sent their best team: The Kiwis are captained by Kyle Mills, who has never held the post before, while regular skipper Brendon McCullum is not part of the tour. McCullum, along with star batsman Ross Taylor, have been omitted from the squad so that they can prepare for an upcoming Test Series. Kane Williamson, who was originally slated to lead the side, has also been omitted due to injury. This leaves the New Zealand batting lineup very fresh and vulnerable, and Sri Lankan fans will feel that they have been shortchanged in the entertainment department. Sanath Jayasuriya, the Chairman of the Selectors has also publicly voiced his displeasure at the Kiwis fielding an under strength squad. No doubt, the New Zealanders have plans of their own to give their younger players experience, but it seems somewhat discourteous to do so in a series that is being hosted by another nation. Sri Lanka Cricket will have worries about the financial success of this series, and will hope that the fact that all the matches are being played outstation will make up for the lack of firepower in the opposition. The fact that the Kiwis just lost one day series against Bangladesh while fielding a full strength team will do nothing to allay these fears.
Sri Lanka, however, have named a full strength squad for the first two games. TM Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Lasith Malinga have all been included and will most probably all play, at least in the first two games. Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera will be fighting to cement their place in the second opener’s slot, while young middle order batsman Ashan Priyanjan has earned a call up to the squad. Shaminda Eranga has not been included in the squad with Suranga Lakmal being preferred over him.
Captain Angelo Mathews has stated that the team will focus on wrapping up the series before looking to experiment. In a three game series that doesn’t leave much time for a youngster to make his mark. Sri Lanka are definitely far stronger on paper, and will be expected to take out the series comfortably enough, especially on home soil. It remains to be seen as to how inventive they will be with their selections, and if New Zealand’s young team has the capacity to pull off an upset.
The Series consists of 3 ODI’s and 2 T20 Internationals, with the first ODI taking place this Sunday the 10th at the Sooriyawewa Stadium.
Sri Lanka Squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, Ashan Priyanjan
New Zealand Squad: Kyle Mills (capt), Corey Anderson, Anton Devcich, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, Tom Latham (wk), Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Adam Milne, Colin Munro, James Neesham, Rob Nicol, Luke Ronchi, Hamish Rutherford, Neil Broom(for final ODI and T20s)
Tour Schedule
1st ODI: Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Hambantota
Nov 10, 2013 (14:30 local | 09:00 GMT)
2nd ODI: Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Hambantota
Nov 12, 2013 (14:30 local | 09:00 GMT)
3rd ODI: Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Dambulla
Nov 16, 2013 (09:45 local | 04:15 GMT)
1st T20I: Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Pallekele
Nov 19, 2013 (19:00 local | 13:30 GMT)
2nd T20I: Sri Lanka v New Zealand at Pallekele
Nov 21, 2013 (19:00 local | 13:30 GMT)
