New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor today said the no-ball controversy would not affect Sri Lanka in today's clash as much as the fatigue after playing two successive games.
New Zealand skipper Ross Taylor today said the no-ball controversy would not affect Sri Lanka in today's clash as much as the fatigue after playing two successive games.
A huge controversy hit the tri-series after Suraj Randiv, allegedly at the behest of a teammate, bowled a no ball to leave India opener Virender Sehwag stranded on 99 in last match.
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"The thing in our favour more than that is that they played two games in a row which has been tough and shows that the team which have played a couple of games in a row they usually have not won," Taylor said at the pre-match media meet.
"I guess they will be a bit tired after the tough series against India in the Test series. I guess that is an area where we will exploit. But they are a professional team and this is there conditions. I am sure they will be ready for the fight," he added.
Asked about his viewpoint on the raging controversy, Taylor said Sehwag deserved the hundred.
"I think it has been dealt with. It was disappointing for Virender. I was watching the game at the time and I thought he deserved a hundred, he batted very well. It was an unfortunate incident which I think has been dealt with. I am sure in the future it won't happen again," he said.
Asked if the no-ball was bowled deliberately, he said," I think you have to ask Randiv that. I am not sure."
The Kiwi captain, like Sehwag, said that he was not aware of the no-ball rules.
"I don't even know that no-ball rule. When situations arise like this, rule changes come into question. That's why they are there for to be questioned. They will come up with the answer that they think is necessary. I will just be happy to get a 100 first and then worry about that."
Taylor said their strategy for tomorrow's match would be survive an early top-order collapse which has been a regular feature in the series.
"I guess 230-240 is more like a par score on that wicket. Every game, the team has lost early wickets and put themselves on the back foot. I guess if we are in that situation again, we will look to retain wickets and put some pressure on the bowling team," he said.
He also ruled out making any changes to the side.
"No reshuffle. The openers are there and it is a tough job when the ball does swing around. I am sure they are used to it and hopefully we can lose less wickets at the top and give ourselves a better chance through the middle," he said.
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