Pumped up New Zealand look set to challenge Sri Lanka dominance using Herath trump card – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
Rangana Herath stands between Sri Lanka’s hopes of snaring another scalp in the visiting New Zealanders, and his input on how to handle the mysteries of a hoodoo Galle track will be vital to the tourists.
Former Sri Lanka leg spinning hero Herath’s value has trebled since he masterminded India’s 3-nil Test capitulation in New Zealand’s historic series win in India prior to this tour.
The Kiwi spinners had the Indians in a knot much against all expectations, and credit certainly should be handed to him and New Zealand’s batters who rammed home their advantage given to them by their bowlers.
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Sri Lanka’s plans to unsettle New Zealand’s batters hold the key with a potent spin attack capable of tilting the scales in their favour. Failure to contain them to low scores could have dire consequences especially if Herath imparts his superior knowledge of the track and how it can be exploited.
It sets up an interesting scenario as the Kiwis, riding the crest of a wave after India, set their sights on returning home with a South Asian conquest under their belt.
On paper, the two teams are evenly matched but Sri Lanka hold the upper hand due to home ground advantage and vocal crowd support from cricket mad fans.
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That advantage could soon dissipate if the Kiwis hit their straps with an allround effort.
