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| December 07, 2006 | Thursday | Ziqa'ad 15, 1427 |
In-form Sri Lanka look to tame NZ in first Test
CHRISTCHURCH, Dec 6: Sri Lanka's cricketers are talking confidently that they can snap an 11-year winless streak in New Zealand when their two-Test series starts here on Thursday.
Just as New Zealand are struggling for an identifiable line-up, again tinkering with the troublesome opening slot, Sri Lanka have form on their side.
But while form favours Sri Lanka, they have a wretched record in New Zealand -- a Test win in the 1994-95 season is their sole success from 11 matches.
“Our record in that area isn't as good as we'd like it to be,” said coach Tom Moody, the former Australian Test cricketer.
“But we did pretty well in England and we're looking forward to making more progress in New Zealand.”
Moody is looking to Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Sangakkara and skipper Jayawardene to put enough runs on the board for an attack spearheaded by Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan to defend.
New Zealand meanwhile are under no illusion about the challenge confronting them in a welcome diversion from a steady diet of one-dayers.
“The last time we saw them (in a Test) they were probably at the start of an upward curve. We beat them quite comprehensively but it's probably not a true reflection of the side they are at the moment,” said spinner Daniel Vettori.—AFP
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