The Hindu : Sport : Third Test in conditions far from perfect

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Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007
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Third Test in conditions far from perfect

Ted Corbett

A sentimental occasion

— Photo: AP

SHADOW BATTING: Kevin Pietersen works out on his stroke during the nets in Galle.

GALLE: The third Test that begins on Tuesday will be like no other. The conditions will be far from perfect but the spirit is willing and the match will be played.

“It will be a sentimental occasion for us but also a cause for celebration,” said Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan captain, while Michael Vaughan added: “We have talked about the match and we are delighted to be the first team to play here since the tsunami.”

Suffering

This is the match intended to drive the south of Sri Lanka one step further away from the day that killed thousands three years ago. Perhaps there will be no running water, no electricity, little seating, sand where grass ought to grow and a pitch so soaked that a bowler who produces a bouncer may feel he should be carried round the ground but that is immaterial.

Those who are still suffering, in camps, under canvas and dependent on charity may have more problems than whether Matthew Hoggard bowls line and length or Chaminda Vaas can get the ball to swing but they will be heartened to know that the whole England team understands their plight and wants to help.

Passionate speech

Kevin Pietersen, who lives in a showbiz world, made a passionate speech. “We need to realise there are bigger issues. We are out here to play a game, to bring cricket back to Galle and really enjoy the occasion because it will be great for the city,” he said.

There is a bigger picture. There was a huge disaster here. Paul Collingwood, an ordinary lad made good, added: Whatever we have to play on we will have to go out there. It is as simple as that.

Personal memories

You don’t need to tell the Sri Lankan side; many of them have personal memories of the tsunami; Muttiah Muralitharan was nearby when it struck; they have all played their part in helping the stricken.

As for the cricket it is important. If England, already 1-0 down in the series, loses it gives second place in world rankings to Sri Lanka, which has had a great 2007, including the runner-up spot in the World Cup.

“I am proud of what we have achieved,” said Jayawardene. “We are rebuilding, but we have good players and we are at our best.”

Harmison out

England’s bowlers have not yet taken 20 wickets in a Test here and they may be without Steve Harmison, who has an ear infection.

My own feeling is that this match will be short and could even become the 20th Test to span no more than two days. Bonuses are being discussed for England batsmen to reach 200 and bowlers who take seven wickets, an idea from Vaughan and the new chairman of ECB Giles Clarke but those with a strong team ethic feel it is the wrong way to reward players.

The teams:

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Chamara Silva, Michael Vandort, Malinga Bandara, Chanaka Welegedara, Prasanna Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan.

England (from): Michael Vaughan (captain), Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ravi Bopara, Graeme Swann, Matthew Prior, Matthew Hoggard, Monty Panesar, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

Umpires: Asad Rauf and Aleem Dar (both Pakistan). Match referee: Jeff Crowe (New Zealand).

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