What 2nd ODI of the five-match series between India and Sri Lanka When November 6th, 2014 Where Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad The Teams India It was the kind of batting performance that you expect from India. The slash of the blades, the charge down the track and the utter disdain in dispatching the leather to the boundary - all so synonymous to Indian batsmen, were at full display in the first ODI at Cuttack. To compliment the willow work, the bowlers stuck to their task and bowled out Sri Lanka for 194. Ishant Sharma’s four-for was a treat to watch, Umesh Yadav bowled to his captain’s needs and Varun Aaron displayed his need for speed by bowling at 150-plus during his four over spell. It was a visual treat for an Indian fan and cricket pundits alike who have been craving long for a bowler who could send some fear in the opposition with sheer pace. On the flipside though, Aaron limped back to the dressing room and has been ruled out for the second and third ODI. In his absence in all probability, Dhawal Kulkarni will join the pace duo of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav provided the team management opts for a seam bowling all-rounder in Stuart Binny; Aaron’s replacement. Other changes in the eleven look uncertain with the batsmen looking in good touch and the spin duo of Axar Patel and R Ashwin working well in tandem. One nil up in the series, the Lankans have their backs against the wall and one can expect another dominant display from India in the second ODI. Sri Lanka The visitors did not have the best of days on the field with their bowlers leaking runs, fielders dropping catches and their captain running out of ideas to subdue a rampaging Indian batting line-up. Angelo Mathews later in the post-match press conference confessed that the batsmen lacked intent while chasing down the 350-plus target and he would be looking for a better batting display from his side in the second ODI. It’s not that this side lacks the batting prowess but by the captain’s own acceptance this side does have some inexperienced names that will take some time to acclimatise to conditions in India. This is where the role of senior pros in Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan becomes crucial as they would act as able guiding forces to get the best out of the youngsters. Sri Lanka would have done their homework and worked out their team combinations to put forth their best front against an upbeat Indian side. But how much of the backstage work would actually yield in better results, only time will tell. They have the potential and the caliber to deliver the goods and a spirited performance in the second ODI could well and truly be on the cards on Thursday in Ahmedabad. Key Players India On a Cuttack track that had good bounce, Ishant Sharma exploited the conditions to good effect picking up four wickets in his eight overs. What was impressive about his bowling was the fact that he bowled to his strengths and stuck to the right line and lengths ending up with an economy of less than five. With Varun Aaron ruled out for the next two ODIs, the onus now lies on Ishant Sharma to lead the pace attack. With more responsibility on his shoulders and a good outing in the first ODI, Sharma would be relishing this challenge ahead of him. Sri Lanka Kumar Sangakkara’s 13 runs in as many balls in the first ODI saw one exquisite trademark cover drive to the boundary. That shot had everything that Sangakkara is known for - class, elegance, poise and a lot of intent. Intent being the imperative word here which Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews complained about the lack of it in his batsmen. If Sangakkara can get into his own groove and show the intent he showed in that one shot, India are in for some trouble. Stat Overview 1. Average first innings score at Ahmedabad: Overall- 238 Since 2000 - 259 2. Average second innings score at Ahmedabad: Overall - 213 Since 2000 - 226 3. Result summary at Ahmedabad:

4. Head-to-head:

5. Last meeting between both sides at Ahmedabad: Brief scores: Nov 6, 2005 India 285-8 Sri Lanka 286-5. Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets 6. Form guide (most recent listed first): India:Won, Won, Won, Lost, Lost Sri Lanka: Lost, Won, Won, Lost, Lost 7. Pace vs Spin at Ahmedabad (Who has been more effective) Since 2000

Trivia The first one-day international on Indian soil was played in Ahmedabad (though at a different ground) – between India and England in 1981. Among all players who have captained their respective sides in 10 or more ODIs, only Shane Warne (90.90) and South Africa’s Johan Botha (80.00) have the better win-percentage than Virat Kohli’s 76.92 The Squads India: Virat Kohli (Captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, W Saha, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhawal Kulkarni, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Murali Vijay, Stuart Binny, Akshar Patel. Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Ashan Priyanjan, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad, Lahiru Gamage, Chaturanga de Silva, Seekuge Prasanna, Suraj Randiv.