Glorious sunshine greets Lankan cricketers

Elmo Rodrigopulle

The Sri Lankan cricketers were greeted with glorious sunshine as they arrived in the sun kissed city of Brisbane where they will put on rails their plans to achieve a first Test match victory against the Australians in Australia.

The cricketers arrival was not without incident. On arrival at the airport, they had a frustrating wait as the bus to take them to the hotel was 20 minutes late. But the Lankans remained cheery as always.

Muralitheran who had a good workout in Adelaide and did not show any discomfort, will not play against Queensland. He will be let loose against the Aussies at the Gabba.

Kumar Sangakkara on whose shoulders lay a big burden, was seen hobbling, still suffering the hamstring injury he sustained in Adelaide.

Spin ace Muttiah Muralitheran who is the cynosure of all eyes, was a chirpy as ever and was all smiles and did not seem to be overawed by the big publicity that he is getting here. Srian Samaratne, Manager of the team and former Moratuwa and Adastrians wicket keeper, seems to be enjoying his first stint as manager and said that the players are fit and well and raring to have a go at the Aussies in the Two Test matches.

Samaratne told the ‘Daily News’ that Sangakkara’s injury was a big blow. But then that is how the game goes and was confident that Michael Vandort would be slotted into the one drop position, with Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu allowed to negotiate the new ball.

The Lankans will try out this combination in the three-day game against the Queenslanders starting at the Allan Border Field on Friday - incidentally it is All souls day - which is sacred to all Christians.

The cricketers were hard at practice at the nets on Wednesday morning and every player had a knockabout and a bowl, with a strenuous fielding session later on.

The tourists were looking to have a go on a fast pitch. But indications are that it will be a slow wicket. The Aussies are gearing to fling terrifying pace in the Test Wicket at the Gabba.

The Lankans have not picked their playing eleven, but have left open their options and would decide in the final squad after a look at the wicket.

Queensland the current Purra Cup champions will leave out their test candidates Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds and give fringe players a game.

Queensland will be led by Jimmy Maher and have some players who are knocking on the door of national representation. Making a strong comeback will be Michael Kasproviez who will share the new ball with Noffke who is also in the frame for a Test place.

Walking into the Allan Border Field I ran into Kasproviez who told me that he is challenging strongly to get back into the test team. He is looking a picture and if he performs in this game, who knows.One is greeted at the Allan Border Field with the Bill Brown Gates. If my memory is right Brown was in the 1948 ‘invincible’ led by the great Sir Donald Bradman. Then there is the Greg Chappell driveway. Inside you find the Ian Healy rooms.

Then walking round the ground one sees the Mathew Hayden Stand and the Stuart Law Stand. The Field looks a picture.