posted Nov 10, 2007

don't agree with Oliver Brett at all. lots of variables, you can't say things like that.

if Sri Lanka get thrashed in both tests, their media and public will demand a backlash at home, making them more determined. i thought before the aus-sri lanka series that if sri lanka drew or won the series, it would be better for england psychologically than if they lost. england are underdogs that like rising to challenges - if they are expected to win, they won't.

i personally feel that although Sri lanka will probably lose this test, they will outperform australia in Hobart. i just think with Malinga coming back, possibly Sangakkara, and the not so big ground factor, they will do much better.

1-1 series draw my prediction

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posted Nov 10, 2007

If weather isn't an issue, Australia will sweep the summer. I've said for sometime that Sri Lanka are simply not the force in Tests that they are in ODI's. Having Sangakara and Malinga back in the side will make things closer, but that's all.

As for the upcoming England series against Sri Lanka, England should come out on top there, especially if they want to hold on to the number 2 spot in the Test rankings.

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posted Nov 10, 2007

I hope that Kumar is available for the Hobart test. Big miss not having him in the test match.

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posted Nov 10, 2007

To Oliver Brett - BBC Sport;

In my opinion, Sri Lanka being at home even if they lose in Australia 2-0 they will still be dominant against England as they're on their home patch. A 2-0 Test series defeat to Australia will make no difference to how 'tough' Sri Lanka will be as opponents to England, and that will mean quite a big ask for England.

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posted Nov 10, 2007

I'm a bit confused as to how Sri Lanka losing in Australia will help them do better against England. A more likely scenario is that the coach will be under pressure, especially after the ODI defeat by foot of the table England, and there will be demands for changes in the team. For Sri Lanka, who don't seem to have a great deal of strength in depth, that means the team will either be weakened, or we'll just see Tharanga and Dilshan back. It is spin of Murali proportions that sees a defeat against Australia as a positive!

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posted Nov 10, 2007

Hank Quinlan, there's nothing confusing, Jari37000 was only predicting the backlash, which can happen.

Australia in Australia, compared to Srilanka playing England at home is totally two different things.

Not just Srilanka but most teams in world cricket will have a similar result with Australia, and relating that to England to prosper in conditions that are suited for Srilankan play is simply silly. We'll have to wait and see on this one.

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posted Nov 10, 2007

I don't think you can have umpire who just say don't run on the pitch from the first over and try to upset the rhythm of the fast bowler in Sri Lanka against Sri Lanka can you?. Also who just wait for the fielder to apple to raise the finger like jaysuriya's case. its very sad to sea a team like Australia not able to win a match with out the help of umpire and pitch. So if you can prepare all this in your favor in Sri Lanka you can win I am sure.

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posted Nov 10, 2007

Now there is spin for you, toughJude. Very impressive. If Australia wins this game, then I see it had nothing to do with what has been very disciplined batting and bowling so far. Just the pitch and the umpire.

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posted Nov 10, 2007

The help of the pitch???

Sri Lanka won the toss. Maybe they should have batted first if the pitch was such a problem?

Excuses excuses. Aus are all over SL like vegemite on toast.

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posted Nov 11, 2007

ha ha ha toughJude, hilarious post. You must be a child. Glad to hear your opinions, but seriously blaming the pitch and the umpires is a bit sad.

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