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India target a series win in Colombo
Colombo,
August 27:
The Indians exploited the chinks in the Sri Lankan batting order
very effectively in the Kandy Test and would hope to do the same
in the deciding match starting here on Wednesday as they aim for a
rare series victory abroad.
Zaheer Khan and Venkatesh Prasad performed magic on the fast and
bouncy pitch of Kandy but the visitors might be tempted to play
with an extra spinner here if the wicket offers some help to the
slow bowlers.
Sources in the team management on Monday indicated that either
Rahul sanghvi or Sairaj Bahutule, both of whom are yet to play a
match on this tour, might be included in the team in place of
Harvinder Singh but a final decision was expected only late in the
afternoon on Tuesday or on the morning of the match.
On their part, Sri Lanka are most likely to give left-hander
Michael Vandort his debut match to bolster their batting. Captain
Sanath Jayasuriya had blamed his batsmen for the loss in Kandy and
Vandort's inclusion will certainly strengthen their chances.
Vandort, who hit a century in the three-day game against India
prior to the Test series, would be inducted as an opener which
would mean either Marvan Atapattu or Kumar Sangakkara would bat at
number six.
Media reports here have been critical of the continued presence of
Suresh Perera in the team and he is the one likely to make way for
Vandort. The all-rounder has very little to show for his
achievements in the two Tests with captain Sanath Jayasuriya
giving him just 12 overs in the first match and five in the next.
He could not contribute much with the bat either.
He was even reported for suspect action in the first Test by
umpire Steve Bucknor and the media has criticised the team
management for persisting with Perera.
The Indians, on the other hand, are bubbling with confidence after
their seven wicket win in Kandy. "The win showed we have the
depth to deliver even without some of our best players. I could
not have asked for more going into the final Test," skipper
Saurav Ganguly said.
The Indians had an optional practice session at the Sinhalese
Sports Club this morning while the hosts had a workout in the
afternoon.
It was at the same ground in 1993 that India had last won a series
abroad and if the performance in Kandy was any indication, they
are well set to repeat that feat.
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