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South Africa
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icricketer.com > Series >
South Africa Tour Sri
Lanka - 2004 > News
Coach Dyson backs Murali-less
spin attack
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan coach John Dyson on Thursday backed his spinners
to win the ongoing second Test against South Africa at the Sinhalese
Sports Club ground.
"It is sad that (Muttiah) Muralitharan is not playing, but surely
the others can make up for him," said Dyson, who took over from
fellow Aussie Dave Whatmore last year.
Muralitharan had to miss the match because of a shoulder injury for
which he will be operated on in Australia.
"If one of the other guys can come out and bowl some 50-60 overs in
the match and win the game for us, it would be great," Dyson said
after the second day's play.
South Africa were 116-3 in reply to the home side's 470 at close as
former captain Sanath Jayasuriya struck a twin-blow late in the day
with his left-arm spin bowling.
"Sanath showed in his short spell today that the ball can do quite a
bit if you bowl the right line and speed. It's a good chance for the
others to shine. They are all capable bowlers," said Dyson.
Dyson also praised the effort of Kumar Sangakkara, who boosted his
side's total with a fine knock of 232.
"He is a tremendous player and was due for a big score after getting
50s and 70s," Dyson said of Sangakkara.
"Sanga is our best wicketkeeper as well but then he happens to be
our best number three batsman and it is difficult for him to do both
jobs in a Test match," said Dyson.
"He is unlucky because people don't talk of him as a top class
keeper," said Dyson.
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