Supun Abeysinghe
With just few days away from finalising the 15 men squad It is still doubtful whether SL will end up with the right combination this time.
Please note that this is just from an ardent follower of SL cricket and I think the selection commitee can come up with thier expertise ideas.
With reference to the recent discussions soreading around and the trials on recent international matches I think SL is aiming to put much weight on allrounders than specialist batsten or bowlers. I would call ‘All rounders’ in here for those who have batting average (15-30) & bowling average (30-45) under this category. Please note that batsmen with ability to bowl few overs are still considered as specialist batsmens if they dont meet the above criteria. (Ex Sanath, Ara or Dilshan are not considered as all rounders)
Considering the line ups sent by Australia and India ; (Frequent world champions & could considers as top two contenders behind England once again this time I guess ) it is obvious that they limted to 3 or less allrounders while adding much more specialist batsmen and bowlers . SL did use the same strtegy in their succesful outings in previous world cups.
Adding more all rounders into the line up will ruin chances of piling up or chasing down big score as there is limited room for specialist batsmens. SL had a history of building around one or two big innings from the top four rather than everybody does bit of everything. (If we look at in the past it was Sanath/Ara/Arjuna in 96 , Sanath/Marvan/Ara in 2003, Sanath/Mahela/Sanga in 2007, Dilshan/Upul in 2011 & Dilshan/Sanga in 2015. ).
Sri lanka will need someone from the top 4 to hang around the wicket till 35-40th over of the inning until when big hitters could take on last 10-15 overs.
Meanwhile SL currently lacking wicket taking bowlers or who could support them with economical spells between the 15th-35th over of the opposite teams inning. SL predominantly use main strike bowler during this part in the past along with couple of part timers ( Ex. Murali with Sana& Ara or Herath with Dilshan). I wish to see the same strategy as it was the strength SL had in the past.