What to expect in the 3rd test at P Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo

[umpire]

I put my million dollars on Lanka producing really really flat wicket for the 3rd Test. The home track bullies will score plenty of run. Expect Warnapura, Samaarweera scored tons. It will be flat deck, imported from Pakistan

[Sachinism]

SL playing for a draw? I doubt it

[cowboysfan]

whats the history of the next pitch?

[Predator_05]

I guarantee they won't play for a draw. We'll definitely see Prasad finding a place in their XI, he could make a big difference India actually LOST a test match here back in 1985 ! It was a good Indian team too, which makes it even more surprising . Why did Gavaskar bat at 5 ? http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/statsguru/engine/match/63410.html

[fineleg]

L Rajput opened? :D Saravanamuttu stadium - lets see if we get a flat pitch for Test-3. Flat pitch would mean Bhajji wont get assistance, if it is truly flat pitch, then despite HS taking wickets we should play Ojha in Test-3. If it has assistance to spin, then HS will obviously play.

[Chaos]

we can expect all of the batsman / bowlers to fail :icflove:

[Tapioca]

Toss will again be critical. I hate these sort of matches (there were some recent India-Pak matches too) where the result is so dependent on the toss.

[King]

I reckon they will prepare a flat track too. They would rather draw than lose a test series at home.

[fineleg]

Toss will again be critical. I hate these sort of matches (there were some recent India-Pak matches too) where the result is so dependent on the toss.

True!

[umpire]

it doesn't mean they want to play for draw. But its obvious thing to do for them. They can't produce seaming track and they can't produce raging turner as well. They have inexp. batting line up and they rely too much on Sanga and Jaya. So far their bowling attack (read Murli and Mendis) have done great job. so thats their only option

[SachDan]

Their first plan will be not to lose the test series...No doubt it's going to be a flat track.

[sandtest]

Actually, logic of preparing more Spin friendly track is also not fair. It puts too much stake on toss and thus makes the toss eventual decider (almost) of the match. Give me a bit greenish wicket with little hint of pace and bounce any day.

[Willow_on_fire]

Hopefully the third test is exciting and results favour India...:winky: having said that...I wish Kumble wins another toss....

[King Tendulkar]

Well so far the tracks have been very good. As there has been something for the bowlers in it. Hence two results. Great test cricket so far so credit also has to go to the tracks. I have a feeling we will get another result track.

[cowboysfan]

True!

winning the toss is half the battle.:nervous:

[King Tendulkar]

Kirsten out of 3rd test Our coach has to go back to SA as his mother is seriously hill. Hope she will be ok!

[sharma]

Our coach has to go back to SA as his mother is seriously hill. Hope she will be ok!

seriously hill eh

[Feed]

Kirsten unavailable for third Test Gary Kirsten, India's coach, will not be available for the third Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after he was granted leave by the BCCI to travel to South Africa to be with his mother, who is critically ill. A press release issued by the board said an interim replacement has not been sought. More... Sri Lanka v India, 3rd Test, Colombo Kirsten unavailable for third Test Cricinfo staff August 5, 2008 Gary Kirsten, India's coach, will not be available for the third Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after he was granted leave by the BCCI to travel to South Africa to be with his mother, who is critically ill. A press release issued by the board said an interim replacement has not been sought. His temporary departure means that India will be without a full-time coach during a series for the fourth time in over a year. The team, though, managed to maintain their performances in all series - starting with their triumph in England last summer, their first in 21 years. India then beat Pakistan 1-0 in the three-Test home series. Their toughest assignment was the tour to Australia, where they lost the Tests 2-1 but won in Perth for the first time. Last December, Kirsten signed a two-year deal to coach India effective March 2008. While he was with the team as a consultant for the last two Tests in Australia, his first assignment as coach was the three-Test series against South Africa, which was drawn 1-1.

[DomainK]

Hope she gets well soon.

[Chandan]

Our coach has to go back to SA as his mother is seriously hill. Hope she will be ok!

Hope she gets well soon. It looks that our ODI team will be without coach once again!