DARWIN, June 30: Playing in Darwin in Australia's tropical north feels just like home, according to Sri Lankan skipper Marvan Atapattu. Outside of Colombo or Galle, Atapattu cannot think of a better place to play cricket, particularly in Australia's dry winter season.

"It's superb, it is so close to being at home in terms of weather, we don't feel as if we are away from home - it is just like being in Colombo," Atapattu told a press conference on the eve of the first Test against Australia.

Apart from one thing, according to the team's Australian coach John Dyson. "There's less traffic in Darwin (than Colombo)," he quipped. Darwin, which can guarantee five playing days this time of year without the hint of rain, made its debut as a Test venue when Australia hosted Bangladesh last year.

Australian acting captain Adam Gilchrist said Darwin still had the feel of a neutral venue. "It has a different feel to it, but second time around it has got that little bit of a familiar feel. Last year was very much a new feeling," he said. -AFP