As the ODI Tri Series gets underway in Sri Lanka, there is no doubt that teams will be looking to the tournament as an opportunity to sharpen their swords ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. But the question looking at the squads is, where is the blade?
mahendra singh dhoni kumar sangakkara 1
Even as the ODI series generates interest, a look at the various teams and it is obvious that at least two of them are woefully short on experience. And the hosts themselves must feel tired given the grind since the Asia Cup 2010 was hosted at home followed by the India Sri Lanka Test series.
Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lankan captain, will be keen to ensure that Sri Lanka will end this chapter of the Indian tour of Sri Lanka on a high note, having lost the final of the Asia Cup and then, having India draw the Test series 1-1. However, he will be keenly aware he does not have Muttiah Muralitharan in his midst and one that he may or may not have for the World Cup. Besides, the team needs to be maintained fresh in mind, body and spirit after having had such a long trip against the Indians and the motivation of facing the same opposition day and night could take the edge off which is what Sangakkara would want to guard against.
For India, after the squared Test series, it will time to show they really business. They saved their skins in the Test series, but it would only be fair to say that India would not want to sit only on the laurels of the Asia Cup win but rather prove that they can repeat the message again.
However, it will be a tough proposition given that India will be without many of their key personnel, while New Zealand themselves are undone as far as their squad is concerned. So, while it is a great opportunity for those on the bench to really make their mark, the results will have to be taken with a pinch of salt without teams not being at full strength.
It is a tricky proposition and it is the closing chapter of the tour. But the team that is looking beyond this tour is the one that is probably going to come out on top.
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