The last time we encountered Sri Lanka they were a rather timid side who failed to make the final of their own triangular tournament. I expect this team, however, to be a far more robust proposition.
The Sri Lankans have in recent times paved an excellent record around the world.
This has been done largely without their most potent asset, Muttiah Muralitharan. That shows how others have taken it upon themselves to fill the void left by their champion.
While others in the Sri Lankan side tend to draw the plaudits, Chaminda Vaas is someone I see as a leader. He is an excellent swing bowler - accurate, not easily flustered and experienced. A true players' player.
Sanath Jayasuriya is another to watch but it will be a testing time for him opening the batting on our pitches. Because our weather has been so dreadful, there hasn't been any sun to dry out the wicket and create those batter-friendly surfaces that are so good for high-scoring one-day cricket.
The series shapes up as a real beauty and I would like to think after our sojourn across the Tasman that our boys are in good spirits, knowing that later in the season Australia visits us.
I don't think I have seen a more complete performance from any side I have witnessed than that was displayed by the Aussies in Perth last week.
In tests this current Australian side rates along any other great team of any era. They were awesome. The defeat of Pakistan puts into perspective the Black Caps' efforts earlier.
You can't compare losses but it just shows how far ahead they are of the rest of the world. The only team with a realistic chance of beating Australia is England and next year's Ashes shapes up as a great showdown.
