India, SL Make Interesting Choices For Second Test Bowling Line Ups

Interesting but contrasting choices were made by both teams going into the second Test in Green Park, Kanpur.
India decided to finally let Ishant Sharma lie. That only meant that Sreesanth would get a shot at the game he did not participate in since a year.
For Sri Lanka, it was more of a gamble to stray from the balance of fast bowlers and spinners by opting for an additional spinner and dropping the fast bowler. Also weighing on the Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara’s mind would be the slight injury strain to Dammika Prasad who partnered Chanaka Welegedera in the first Test in Ahmedabad.
Sri Lanka decided that three was better than two and decide to bring in Ajantha Mendis to support Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath who played in the first Test. It meant that Sri Lanka were going into the match with just one specialist fast bowler in Welegedera and expecting Angelo Matthews to shoulder the all rounder’s role.
It has not helped stem the Indian openers but it was a gamble perhaps taken with some concern that Muralitharan was struggling to pick wickets, although Motera was a tough testing ground.
For India, it was a matter of bringing about a change rather than making an inspired decision. Amit Mishra was canned in favour of Pragyan Ojha although the birthday boy will feel hard done by given that Motera did not help.
Ishant Sharma is no surprise at all given that he has looked jaded and it is of concern given that he is only a year old in international cricket and the mess in his bowling advice seems to have caught up with him.
It will be interesting to see how Sreesanth grabs what many believe is his final chance in the game as far as team India is concerned.

Follow the trail for all the news, views and action from the first Test with this link:
Sangakkara Magnanimous For Tendulkar

Is This What Shiv Sena Wanted Tendulkar to Be Proud Of? 496271