That success aside, most poignantly it is the resumption of rivalry between these two teams following that despicable day on the third of March when the visiting Sri Lankans were subjected to the unthinkable and were astonishingly attacked by gunmen outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. That resumption in itself is reason for celebration.

An air of expectancy will permeate throughout the series as both teams strive to claim the ascendency but another aspect will be grabbing my attention. Those of you who have read my missives over the past years know that I am a firm believer that cricket is a game best played when played instinctively.

Over the last decade or so we have been subjected to a type of conveyor belt when it comes to producing cricket talent. The result of that fascination has been the development of many factory assembly line robotic cricketers who have altered their usual batting or bowling style to ensure longevity.

Some coaches have a fascination with technique which in turn stifles natural instinct and inhibits flair. They often fall into the trap of justification of their jobs and unwittingly suffocate and suppress individual brilliance.

Cricketers who have simply embraced their natural styles will be on show in abundance over the next six weeks and that will be extremely refreshing. Think of the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga in the home team and Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria and reverse swing maestro Umar Gul in the visitors line-up.

Both teams are punctuated with players of exceptional talent and ability who will express themselves in a manner that will do justice to their capability but it will be the uniqueness of the aforementioned players’ techniques that will capture the imagination.

What a pleasure it will be to watch instinctive cricket unfold as player after player does battle in an unedited fashion. They will display their skills in the only way they know. Just imagine what could have happened if some over zealous textbook coach had attempted to alter their natural styles during their formative years for a more conventional approach and how we would have all been the losers.

That is the beauty of cricket in Asia. Coaching is not restrictive. It is correctly used to sand paper some rough edges but it encourages instinct and expression. Enormously strong wrists will be in action as deliveries that would normally be driven straight as per coaching manuals are whipped away square on the leg side in a disdainful manner. Mystery spinners will hoodwink batsmen as unconventional finger and wrist action will unravel some of the best wielders of willow around.

I am not the only one who gets excited when witnessing something different. It always adds a new dimension to the game and the intrigue stimulates analysis and discussion.

We will have plenty to talk about in the coming weeks.


Recent ColumnsMike Haysman