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| April 24, 2003 | Thursday | Safar 21, 1424 |
New Zealand braced for Muralitharan
COLOMBO, April 23: New Zealand will expect few surprises as they seek to win their first Test series in Sri Lanka for two decades.
Stephen Fleming’s side, ranked third in the world just ahead of their opponents, are braced for a heavy diet of spin bowling, most of it purveyed by Muttiah Muralitharan in sweltering conditions.
“Sri Lanka is always tough competition, especially in this heat,” Fleming told a news conference before the opening day of the two-match series on Friday.
“It’s especially tough because we’re coming up to winter in New Zealand right now, so these conditions will take some getting used to.” April is Sri Lanka’s hottest month, with temperatures averaging a steamy 35 degrees.
The home selectors have named four specialist spinners in their 15-man squad, with former captain Sanath Jayasuriya — who has stepped down to be replaced by veteran batsman Hashan Tillekeratne — offering back-up.
Kumar Dharmasena, whose last Test appearance came two years ago, and Upul Chandana, who has played just seven matches, are unlikely to worry the New Zealanders unduly but Fleming will have little information on uncapped 20-year-old leg-spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi.
“He has a lot of potential — we’re looking at the long term. We need to groom a spinner for the future, who can support Murali,” selector Aravinda de Silva said.
“We can give him an opportunity, in conditions which suit him, to bring him into the national arena.”
New Zealand’s last visit, in 1997-8, ended in a 2-1 defeat after they had won the opening Test. Off-spinner Muralitharan ended with 19 wickets at 19.78 apiece.
The first Test will be staged at Colombo’s P. Saravanamuttu stadium, Muralitharan’s home ground.
Fleming, who led his team to Test series wins over West Indies and India in their last two outings, made his highest Test score of 174 not out in Sri Lanka last time and will be looking for similar application from his team mates.
The side’s freest run-scorers — Nathan Astle, all-rounder Chris Cairns and Craig McMillan — are all missing, due either to injury or poor form, leaving the touring side to rely instead on the more dogged qualities of Mark Richardson, Matt Horne and Mathew Sinclair.
Left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori is likely to lead the Kiwi attack, backed up by recalled off-spinner Paul Wiseman with Shane Bond and Daryl Tuffey sharing the pace duties.
The second Test will start in the hill-country town of Kandy on May 3. The two sides will then be joined by Pakistan for a one-day triangular series.—Reuters
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