Cricinfo



Cricinfo Registration

home Cricinfo 3D Audio Video Photos Fantasy Slogout Help and Feedback

 

Live Scorecards
Fixtures | Results
3D Animation
India v Australia
Bangladesh v N Zealand
T20 Canada
Stanford 20/20 for 20
ICC Intercontinental Cup
Indian Cricket League
Current and Future Tours
News
Photos | Wallpapers
Cricinfo Magazine
Match/series archive
Records
Statsguru
Players/Officials
Grounds
Women's Cricket
ICC
Rankings/Ratings
Wisden Almanack
Games
Fantasy Cricket
Slogout
Daily Newsletter
Toolbar
Widgets



India v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Chennai

We have a couple of great young prospects - Atapattu

Dileep Premachandran at Chennai

December 1, 2005

With all eyes on team India and a certain former captain, the Sri Lankan press conference ahead of the first Test was a muted affair. Tom Moody was seen having a quiet chat with Greg Chappell during the unveiling of the cut-crystal trophy, and both he and Marvan Atapattu appeared quietly focussed on the task ahead - how to change Sri Lanka's record of six losses - all by an innings - and no wins in 11 matches on Indian soil.



It's been so long since we played a Test here, but we know that playing India in India is a big test. It won't be an easy task. © Getty Images

Marvan Atapattu

On the likely playing XI

We have a few options. But we'll have a look at the conditions tomorrow morning before we finalise the team.

On how much Jayasuriya would be missed

He's been a great cricketer for Sri Lanka. But it's a decision that the selectors have made. We have a couple of great young prospects, and time will tell how effective they can be at this level.

On whether they might go with five bowlers

I heard that this pitch was prepared for the one-day game against South Africa. It looks quite dry, and will certainly be a factor when it comes to choosing our final eleven.

On so many in the squad having little or no experience of Indian conditions

It's been so long since we played a Test here, but we know that playing India in India is a big test. It won't be an easy task.

Tom Moody

On how different the stadium and the conditions seemed after having played here during the Reliance World Cup in 1987

Well, 1987 was a long time ago. It's a great ground to play cricket, and I have some fond memories of the place. The wicket looks good, and we should have a great game.

On bouncing back from the 6-1 drubbing in the ODIs

It's Test-match cricket now. We've had a nice break, a period of time away from the game. The players were given a [fitness] programme to work on, and we then got together to prepare for the Tests. We put the white balls away and got the red ones in. We're more familiar with the Kookaburra balls used back home, so we had to adapt to the one used here.

Dileep Premachandran is features editor of Cricinfo

 
Post this story on your favourite website Email this page to a friend Print this page Feedback
Watch our daily Cricinfo SportsCenter news round-ups
Available on Cricinfo.tv
    Fantasy cricket: India v Australia and Bangladesh v New Zealand
Login to check the standings
    Live scores, news & ball-by-ball commentary on your phone
Cricinfo Mobile

Cricinfo Mobile


Related Links



Stories

Matches

Series/Tournaments

Teams






Cricinfo Products
South Africa's Makhaya Ntini talks to cricinfo.tv
Watch now (2 mins)
Fantasy cricket - India v Aus & Bangladesh v NZ
Check the standings
Scores, text comms & news on your phone
Cricinfo Mobile
Play Slogout - our cricket action simulation game
Two formats to choose from
 
Sponsored Links
India v Australia shopping at Cricshop
Kit, DVD, books & more
Bet now on the India v Australia Test series
Fixed odds at bet365
Follow the new 2008/09 Premier League season
On ESPNsoccernet
The best online rugby coverage - Scrum.com
Site just re-launched
 


 
Top 5 player searches
Most read stories