 Bond to target Jayasuriya early on
23rd Apr 2007 23:30 IST
Agencies
New Zealand pace spearhead Shane Bond will target veteran Sanath Jayasuriya early on to stop Sri Lanka from getting a flying start in Tuesday's World Cup semifinal clash at Sabina Park in Jamaica.
"He (Jayasuriya) is the kind of cricketer who gives them early momentum. If he gets going then they are able to raise 250 on the board. My job is to ensure that it does not happen," Bond said.
The battle between the two will certainly have a bearing on the game. Jayasuriya has been in fine nick in the tournament and if he gets going, then Sri Lanka will have a good chance of putting up a healthy score and allow its bowlers to take a good shot at the Kiwis. And Bond will look to cut-off that blood-supplying artery.
But Bond's record against the veteran is not very impressive. He has played against Sri Lanka in nine matches and claimed Jayasuriya in only one of them.
In the last five matches, Jayasuriya has scores of 101, 1, 0, 71 and 64 against the Black Caps and Sri Lanka has emerged winners in three of them.
The present World Cup has been an outstanding one for both of them. With an average of 12.83, Bond is the best among the bowlers while Jayasuriya, with 403 runs from nine matches at 50.37, is clearly a key batsman for Sri Lanka.
Bond expects the Sabina Park pitch to be his ally in this battle for supremacy against the veteran Lankan.
"I have spoken to a few players and happened to chat up with Darren Powell (West Indian fast bowler) on the flight. The Sabina pitch generally gives good carry to fast bowlers and when there is humidity, as it is here, the ball would swing."
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