The West Indians huddle during yesterday's training session before the second and final against Sri Lanka which started last night (Ja time). - DELLMAR
KANDY, Sri Lanka, CMC:
JERMAINE LAWSON can count on his current teammates for support, as he faces the prospect of another battery of tests to determine the legitimacy of his bowling action.
For the second time in his chequered career, the 24-year-old West Indies fast bowler was reported for a suspect bowling action following the first Test against Sri Lanka at Colombo's Singhalese Sports Club.
Unlike the previous occasion, Lawson was allowed to play in the second and final Test which started last night (Ja time) at the Asgiriya Stadium, under the International Cricket Council's complex, new rules.
WORKING HARD
"We are all supporting Jermaine, but we'll have to let this matter run its natural course with the ICC, and hope that he can come out of this challenge stronger, and free to play in the future," West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul told reporters on the eve of the Test.
He added: "He's been bowling in the nets, working hard like all of us, and he's available for selection for this match. For now, all we can do is get him to focus on this match, and leave the others matters alone."
The West Indies trail the two-Test series 1-0, after losing the series opener by six wickets at the SSC, where they gave a spirited performance.
"After losing the first Test, we have no choice, but to come back in this Test and play some tough cricket if we do not want to leave empty-handed," said Chanderpaul, who may be contemplating promoting himself either to the number three or four batting position.
"Hopefully, the guys can come out, and lift their game much higher than in the first Test, but we have to stick to our plans. If we can execute what we have discussed, then we can reap the benefits
"In the first Test, when we fielded, we had an opportunity to put ourselves in a superior position, if we could have gotten them out a little cheaper. But we lost our way when we batted, and also when we bowled in the second innings, so hopefully we can get things right this time around."
Chanderpaul continued to exude confidence in his side that has been shorn of several senior players because of a protracted labour dispute between the West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Players' Association.
"As much as we are talking, we have to go back and look at our mistakes from the previous Test, and move ourselves forward instead of dwelling on the past. All of these guys have talent, but they just need to come out, and get the job done."
Chanderpaul and his teammates faced a situation that's common to touring teams to the Caribbean.
"We came down to Kandy on Monday, and Thursday is the first time we have had to get some batting practice," he said.
"Over the last few days, we have only been able to do some fielding drills, but we have not been able to spend a lot of time in the nets."
The West Indies have never won a Test in Sri Lanka.
