Sri Lanka in South Africa, Oct

Jayasuriya asks team to show their natural flair in Test series
Charlie Austin - 7 November 2002

Skipper Sanath Jayasuriya called upon his exuberant team to play their natural game as Sri Lanka strive to win their first ever Test series against South Africa during the next two weeks.

The two sides meet on Friday at the magnificent Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for the first of two Tests with the odds stacked heavily in favour of Shaun Pollock's side.

Sri Lanka have only one solitary victory in 12 attempts against South Africa. Moreover, they have an appalling overall Test record outside the sub-continent with only three wins in two decades.

Conditions are expected to favour South Africa with plenty of pace and bounce in the pitch set to assist the home side's battery of seam bowlers.

But Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's most successful captain in history, who has led his side to 13 wins in their last 16 matches, is confident that his side can prosper if they play to their strengths.

"It is going to be very hard work winning here in South Africa but our preparation has been good and we can win. To do so, whether there is extra bounce or not, we have play our natural game," said Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka have started well, particularly the batsmen who have all spent valuable time at the crease during the two warm-up games at Kimberly and Lenasia.

"The boys have been trying hard to adapt to South Africa conditions and we have made maximum use of our two practice matches," said Jayasuriya.

"All the batsmen have spent time at the crease and every one is looking good at the moment - we now have to continue that in the middle during the Test match."

"We have to perform in every department of the game if we are going to win. We have to take all the half chances that are offered.

"Crucially, the batsmen are going to have to spend a lot of time at the crease - if we get the runs then the bowlers can do the job."

Coach Dav Whatmore was equally upbeat, clearly delighted with the manner that the side have adapted to conditions thus far.

"In the three years that I have been in charge this is probably the best preparation that we have had," said Whatmore. "We will have to wait and see whether this translates into performance in the Tests but I think we are on the right track."

Sri Lanka are also free of the injuries that had plagued their last Test tour to England, exposing their lack of depth in the bowling department.

This makes selection a near formality. The top six pick themselves with all-rounder Hasantha Fernando making his debut at number seven and a quartet of specialist bowlers that includes Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Ruchira Perera and off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan.

Perera will be playing his first game since being reported for having a suspect bowling action during the first Test at Lord's.

Despite conditions that are expected to favour the fast bowlers Whatmore believes that Muralitharan, who has a fantastic record against South Africa with 70 wickets at 21.37 from 10 games, will still prove a handful.

"Like batsmen, bowlers have to perform in all conditions and this is a challenge for Murali, who like any champion bowler thrives on hard work," said Whatmore.

However, Whatmore believes that it's essential for the fast bowlers to play their part: "We have been spoilt with a bowler like Murali but fast bowlers also have to share the workload and perform if we are going to win the game."

Russel Arnold will open the batting with the inform Marvan Atapattu after scoring a painstaking 98 in the second innings against a 'Rest of South Africa' side at Lenasia. Jayasuriya will bat at number five.

Final Eleven:

Sanath Jayasuriya (Capt), Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jaywardene, Hashan Tillakaratne, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Ruchira Perera, Muttiah Muralitharan.

Teams	South Africa, Sri Lanka.
Players/Umpires	Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Hashan Tillakaratne, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Ruchira Perera, Muttiah Muralitharan.
Tours	Sri Lanka in South Africa