[Migara]

Originally Posted by Arjun

I like the look of the Lankan ODI lower order. Their top six is flimsy, but the bottom five can accumulate enough to save their team, annoy the bowling or even change a game. They already have Thushara, Kulasekara, Matthews (spin weakness notwithstanding). The composition of their ODI team, unlike India's, is a good one, and a lot will depend on their oft-misfiring top six. While Sanath and Dilshan get the bulk of the runs quickly, more is expected from five and six, and a little less from Sanga and Mahela. The surprise selection, however, is of Dilhara Fernando coming again. He's been the most accomplished bowler, but that's primarily because he's got a lot more matches, and there are repeated complaints about his inaccuracy, overstepping and old-ball issues. He's been their quick-fix pacer, a lot like India's Agarkar.

Their Test team, however, isn't in the best of shape. Their top order is an area of weakness, and a lot will depend on the big three of the middle-order. Murali and Mendis are a genuine threat together, or even individually, but proper negotiation of the pace bowlers will help the Indians a lot against them. They're almost level with their Indian counterparts on most fronts, but marginally behind the Indians in pace and a much weaker opening combination. It's a little difficult to comment on T20, given how few T20 matches are played, but they're again a well-balanced, versatile unit.

I totally disagree with the entire post. if SL had been found wanting, that is at ODIs, and the middle order. That is why they are #7 in the rankings.

SL test team in very good shape. All batsmen firing well, barring Paranavithana. SL pace attack is quite a way superior to Indian pace attack. Thushara and Prasad both can crank up 140k and sustain it for some time as well. Kulasekara, I actually don't rate much unless on green tops. Mathews will be the stock bowler, and very good at getting reverse swing. Pity that Malinga is not fit enough. Malinga, Prasad and Thushara trio would have produced some serious pace.