Rediff On The NeT: Injured Steve Waugh to play in second Test

` Rediff On The NeT: Injured Steve Waugh to play in second Test


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September 21, 1999

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Injured Steve Waugh to play in second Test

Australian captain Steve Waugh defied medical advice today and said he will play in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle despite nursing a broken nose.

''Yes, I am playing,'' Waugh said over telephone from Galle where the match begins tomorrow.

Waugh fractured his nose when he was involved in a freak fielding accident with fast bowler Jason Gillespie during the first Test in Kandy earlier this month. Gillespie broke his leg and was ruled out of the remainder of the tour.

Sri Lanka lead the three Test series 1-0 and the injury-plagued Australians need to win the crucial second Test to retain hopes of taking the series.

''We are here to win,'' Waugh said, when asked how he rated Australia's chances in the second Test.

''I will have to watch the ball closely,'' said Waugh.

But Waugh's decision today to defy his injury and not hand over captaincy to his deputy Shane Warne has enabled Australia to get over only one of their woes.

The visitors still have a doubt about main strike bowler Glenn McGrath who is recovering from a strained left thigh.

As if that were not enough, Scott Muller, who was called in after Gillespie broke his leg, is sitting with seven stitches to his bowling hand, injured in a match last week.

Waugh's decision to play has robbed Simon Katich of Western Australia the opportunity to earn his Test cap. He was expected to replace the captain if Waugh opted out.

Sri Lanka, on a high after their decisive first Test victory, their first against Australia, are likely to cap left-arm spinner Rangana Herath to partner their key bowler Muttiah Muralitharan.

Herath, who claimed six wickets in a tour match against Australia two weeks ago, will replace Upul Chandana from the side that won the Kandy Test by six wickets.

The match will also be vital for former captain Arjuna Ranatunga, who faces losing his place following a poor display in the first Test.

Ranatunga, who was eased out of the one-day side earlier, made four and a shaky 19 not out in Kandy.

Skipper Sanath Jayasuriya said he expected the Australians to come out keen for a victory.

''We are aware of their capabilities and we are ready for them. We are keen to keep the lead in the series,'' Jayasuriya said.

Meanwhile, Galle District Cricket Association secretary and curator Jayananda Warnaweera inspected the stadium at Galle where the second Test is due to start tomorrow. ''I can assure that the pitch will last five days. It will take turn from day two and have even bounce,'' he predicted.

Galle is experiencing intermittent rains during the past few days.

The first Test played at Asgiriya stadium in Kandy 12 days back ended inside three days with Sri Lanka winning by six wickets.

The teams:
Australia (probable): Steve Waugh (captain), Shane Warne, Greg Blewett, Michael Slater, Justin Langer, Mark Waugh, Ricky Ponting, Ian Healy, Colin Miller, Glenn McGrath, Damien Fleming.

Sri Lanka (from): Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Russe Arnold, Aravinda De Silva, Arjuna Ranatunga, Mahela Jayawardena, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Zoysa, Rangana Herath, Upul Chandana.

UNI

Mail Sports Editor