GRAHAM GRIFFITHS, Northampton | Monday 5.00pm.
ARAVINDA de Silva carries a heavy burden of expectation as Sri Lanka enter a critical phase of their World Cup defence with a group A match against South Africa on Wednesday.
As Sri Lanka’s most accomplished batsman, particularly in English conditions, de Silva is the man who can play the big innings that will give his side their best chance of toppling the South Africans. Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga, whose side lost to England by eight wickets in the opening match at Lord’s last Friday, has acknowledged they must win one of their next two games.
De Silva was held back to number five when England made early inroads after putting the Cup holders in to bat, then lasted for just six balls before falling to Alan Mullally without scoring.
On the evidence of their performance against England, Sri Lanka need a big total to defend against South Africa. The title holders looked ponderous in the field and their pace attack lacked a cutting edge in their opening match.
They face a South African side who underlined their all-round strength in depth against India at Hove on Saturday, coming back from 116 for four in pursuit of a target of 254 to win by four wickets. –Reuters