Sri Lanka lose the battle but the war is still on
The fans and the experts have been nonplussed by Sri Lanka’s decision to ‘rest’ their top bowlers for their Super 8 clash against Australia. The so called 'dress rehearsal' for the final turned out to be a damp squib in the end. The ambiguous explanations offered by the Lankan team have done little to solve the mystery behind this strange move. With a little historical perspective though, their strategy becomes crystal clear.
In the 1954 Football World Cup, the mighty Hungarians were the overwhelming favorites, having been unbeaten in all competitions for over four years, and boasting a line-up including great players like Puskas, Kocsis and Hidekguti. The Hungarian juggernaut continued to roll in the World Cup, crushing teams by an average of five goals. There was no way they could be stopped.
The West German manager, Sepp Herberger had other ideas. He knew his side had a good chance to make the finals; where their only chance lay in ambushing the Hungarians. In their second round clash with Hungary, he put out his B side and promptly lost 8-3. Thus, he also managed to keep his players fresh for the other games, which were vital to their qualification for the next stage. Things went as per plan, and the Germans made the final, where they scripted a historic 3-2 victory.
The Sri Lankan coach, Tom Moody, being an Australian himself, is aware of the batting strength of the Aussies. They can be deceived once, but will be extremely well prepared the next time round. His first task is to make the semis and avoid the Australians in the round of four; rather than exposing his bowling aces in an effort to gain a Pyrrhic victory in the Super 8’s. The extra rest for Murli and co will stand them in good stead for the coming games as well. The Sri Lankan bowling with its unorthodox variety can conquer the Aussies on its day. Moody wants to make sure that day is the final.
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In the 1954 Football World Cup, the mighty Hungarians were the overwhelming favorites, having been unbeaten in all competitions for over four years, and boasting a line-up including great players like Puskas, Kocsis and Hidekguti. The Hungarian juggernaut continued to roll in the World Cup, crushing teams by an average of five goals. There was no way they could be stopped.
The West German manager, Sepp Herberger had other ideas. He knew his side had a good chance to make the finals; where their only chance lay in ambushing the Hungarians. In their second round clash with Hungary, he put out his B side and promptly lost 8-3. Thus, he also managed to keep his players fresh for the other games, which were vital to their qualification for the next stage. Things went as per plan, and the Germans made the final, where they scripted a historic 3-2 victory.
The Sri Lankan coach, Tom Moody, being an Australian himself, is aware of the batting strength of the Aussies. They can be deceived once, but will be extremely well prepared the next time round. His first task is to make the semis and avoid the Australians in the round of four; rather than exposing his bowling aces in an effort to gain a Pyrrhic victory in the Super 8’s. The extra rest for Murli and co will stand them in good stead for the coming games as well. The Sri Lankan bowling with its unorthodox variety can conquer the Aussies on its day. Moody wants to make sure that day is the final.
2 comments:
Dude you are putting up some really good posts.
Keep up the good work.
Thanks man
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