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| April 3, 2006 | Monday | Rabi-ul-Awwal 4, 1427 |
Jayasuriya plans winning farewell against Pakistan
KANDY (Sri Lanka), April 2: Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya plans to end his 15-year Test career on a high with a big score and an historic home series win against Pakistan. Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka highest run scorer both in Tests and One-day Internationals, has announced that he will be retiring after the second Test that starts on Monday at the Asgiriya International Stadium.
The opening Test in the two-match series in Colombo was drawn after a match-saving 148 not out from opener Shoaib Malik denied Sri Lanka their first home win against Pakistan in 20 years.
“I’m hoping for a big score but I’ll just be looking to play my natural game to help win this series,” Jayasuriya said on Sunday after training.
“It is sad to be preparing for my last ever Test match but we’re just focusing on the positives from the last Test as we prepare for this game,” the 36-year-old added.
“We bounced back really well against Pakistan with some fine batting in the second innings and we need to put them under the same kind of pressure here.”
Sri Lanka will once again miss Chaminda Vaas, their premier pace bowler, who has not yet recovered from a side strain.
The hosts are also considering possible changes to their bowling line-up with medium pacer Nuwan Kulasekera and left-arm spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon pushing hard for places.
Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando’s inconsistent bowling rhythm is a key concern and he is likely to be dropped for Kulasekera.
“The possibility is that if the wicket is going to suit Kulasekera more...the chances of him playing is pretty high,” Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene said.
Sri Lanka’s preparations for the match have been marred by wet weather in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s hill-country capital, with local experts predicting rain interruptions during the course of the match.
Coach Tom Moody has also had to leave the team to attend the funeral of his father-in-law, leaving assistant coach Trevor Penney in charge.
Pakistan have been boosted by the news that Mohammad Yousuf has recovered from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the first test.
But Yousuf’s likely return will leave them with a selection dilemma because his replacement, Faisal Iqbal, impressed with a fine second innings 60 that help Pakistan escape with a draw in Colombo.
Pace bowling all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is also struggling with a knee injury that may pave the way for an extra specialist pace bowler on a well-grassed pitch promising early assistance for the bowlers.
“It has rained a lot here and when we went to the ground today the outfield was damp,” Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, said.
“The pitch is well grassed, still slightly damp and is being rolled — there should be some early moisture,” he added.
“A couple of the guys have flu but nothing serious to worry about. Razzaq has a slight knee niggle and Mohammad Yousuf is available for selection.”
Teams:
SRI LANKA: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Michael Vandort, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Malinga Bandara, Sajeewa Weerakoon
PAKISTAN: Inzamamul Haq (captain), Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Salman Butt, Danish Kaneria, Rao Iftikhar, Imran Farhat, Faisal Iqbal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Arshad Khan.
Umpires: Daryl Harper and Steve Davis (both Australia).
Match referee: Alan Hurst (Australia).—Agencies
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