Bayliss says Murali is likely to play
April 1, 2011 11:23 am
Sri Lanka coach Trevor Bayliss is confident Muttiah Muralitharan will play in Saturday’s ICC Cricket World Cup final against India in Mumbai.
Muralitharan is due to bring an end to his record-breaking career at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, however, his ambitions of a dream send-off have been threatened by a run of injuries.
The off-spinner, who turns 39 later this month, has hardly looked in peak condition for most of the tournament, during which he as at certain stages battled hamstring, side, groin and knee complaints.
He hobbled his way through the semi-final win over New Zealand but despite his problems has still managed 15 wickets in the tournament.
Bayliss believes it is an indication of Muralitharan’s determination to go out on a high and claim a second ICC CWC title in his 350th one-day international.
“Chances are good that Murali will play,” the Australian said.
“He completed 10 overs in the semi-final, and such is the character of the man that he will play even with discomfort.”
Bayliss said he would give Muralitharan and fellow injury worry Angelo Mathews maximum time to prove their fitness.
In the meantime Sri Lanka have taken the precaution of flying veteran seamer Chaminda Vaas and off-spinner Suraj Randiv in as cover.
“We have asked for them just to be on the safe side, but Muralitharan and Mathews will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness,” he added.
Sri Lanka flew to India yesterday after securing their place in the final with comfortable knockout stage wins on their home soil in Colombo.
England were cast aside by 10 wickets in the quarter-finals while New Zealand provided only a late scare before they were beaten by five wickets in the last four.
While they will leave their home comforts behind, and instead be cast into the role of away side against the Indians, Bayliss thinks that may work in his side’s favour.
The Australian believes the pressure will be on India to perform in a match that is set to have an extra edge, with local hero Sachin Tendulkar one century away from scoring his 100th ton in international cricket.
“We have played good cricket through the tournament and have done well against India in the past,” he said.
“The pressure will be on India since they are playing at home, but we are familiar with the conditions in Mumbai.
“If we concentrate on what we do the best then we can play some good cricket and if we play good cricket, we are going to be very difficult to beat. This match is 50-50 at this stage.
“Obviously, there will be a lot of pressure on India to perform at home.”
He added: “We have been able to do that in the last couple of games and come out with two good wins. The boys are quite confident about their chances in this tournament.
“Yes, we have played India on a number of occasions and have beaten them before on a lot of occasions.
“The final is a difficult assignment. We have beaten them on a number of occasions. Our guys are confident we can play well and win.” (ESPNstar)