India, Sri Lanka & New Zealand tri-series preview

So, India and Sri Lanka are at it again, battling against each other in the Test match series in Sri lanka. In about 2 weeks time from now, the two teams will be again going at each other, this time involving the New Zealanders too, in the Tri series, in Sri Lanka as well.

When these three nations lock horns to do battle, it will almost be like a déjà vu for the viewers. The reason, the same nations played against each other just a year back, in the same country.

Before, the start of any series, there is a strong build up towards it. But sadly, for this tournament, there is no such build up. The viewers have had innumerable matches being contested between Sri Lanka and India.

One can question the necessity to stage this tri- series at this point in time. 50 over cricket is struggling to keep its place in the international circuit. And the administrators, who run the game, are giving more and more of repeated one day international series.

Apart, from good practice and few ICC ratings, there can isn’t much incentive for the participating teams.

But this series allows the teams to experiment with their players, in today’s grueling schedule, it’s very essential for the players to take breaks from the game. The series will also present a lot of youngsters to perform and stabilize their position in their respective sides, just before the world cup.

Now let’s take a look at how the three teams are placed. Let’s start with the home team Sri Lanka.

It was the home team that won the tri-series involving the same nations just a year back. So the Sri Lankans will clearly fancy their chances in the tournament. But they will be wary of the strong Indian side who lately defeated them in their own backyard in the Asia cup.

The Sri Lankans going into the tournament have a nice blend of youth and experience. They may not feature Sanath Jayasuriya, in their squad, who has not been given a central contract by Sri Lanka Cricket. But they have now found a decent opener in Upul Taranga, who compliments the aggressive Dilshan. Their bowling attack looks as strong as ever with more variety than India or New Zealand. Apart from the likes of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene their success will also depend on the likes of Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews. Lastly, they will also have Muttiah Murlidharan operating for them, after announcing his retitrement from the Tests matches. The Sri Lankan selectors can too, give their seniors a bit of a breather, by introducing some exciting young talent.

With the overall balance of their side Sri Lanka will be a very tough team to beat in their own backyard.


The Indian side though, no doubt will be looking forward to win the tournament. But it’s an appropriate time for the selectors to give a whole bunch of players an opportunity to represent their country. The Indian selectors should be a little cautious about their senior players, and should consider resting them for a long season ahead, as in coming months the Indian side will be playing a whole lot of one day internationals, tests and t20s, both home and away.

For the Indians the return of Sehwag and Yuvraj, will be a huge plus. Sehwag, who was ruled out of the Asia cup, due to injury, will be keenly looking forward to perform with the bat. And Sehwag has an outstanding record in Sri Lanka. So, one can expect him to fire. Yuvraj too, who has been going through a lean patch and has been bothered by injuries, too will be looking forward to this opportunity, to make amends and come back to form.

The fast bowlers, too, have a good chance to impress the selectors. The selectors may try a whole new bunch of fast bowlers to try and figure out the best combination going ahead in the future.

Having said all that, the Indian team will be once again looking forward to repeating their Asia cup heroics in Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, the Kiwi’s are entering the tri-series without their regular captain Daniel Vettori and their explosive wicket keeper Brendon McCullum .Vettori will not be going to Sri Lanka as the tour coincides with the birth of his second child and New Zealand Cricket (NZC) supports his wishes to spend time with his family. Mccullum too has been given a much needed break by the NZC (New Zealand cricket board) which will help him in the long run. Due to the absence of Vettori and Mccullum , Ross Taylor has been appointed as the captain to lead the side and his deputy will be the fast bowler Kyle Mills.

Returning to the squad after injury lay-offs are allrounder Grant Elliott and batsman Jesse Ryder. "Grant Elliott comes back after a lengthy period out of the game. He was a key member of our ODI team prior to his injury, and it is great to have him back," Greatbatch said. "Jesse Ryder is also returning to the team having sustained an elbow injury during the World T20 in the West Indies. Kane Williamson gets his first tour with the Blackcaps based on his excellent domestic first-class one-day form.

After being appointed the captain for the tri-series an excited Ross Taylor said “his latest elevation was an honour."It was a pretty special feeling when the selectors approached me,”

No doubt the Kiwis will miss the service of Mccullum and Vettori but they have a good bunch of youngsters who have come into the team. This is the ideal time for all the youngsters to perform and establish their pace leading into the 50 over world cup in the subcontinent.

The tri-series is scheduled between August 10 and 28. Last year it was India winning the finals against Sri Lanka, the kiwi’s though didn’t even make it to the finals. For the kiwi’s to go one step further or even win the tournament, they will have to play out of their skins and more importantly play as a unit.

The above article was published in August edition of Cricket Today magazine.