At last something for Tharanga to smile about
New-look India take on Sri Lanka in the opening match of the Indian Oil Cup in Dambulla
Charlie Austin
29-Jul-2005
![]() |
![]()
|
Sri Lanka last played a one-day international seven months ago on December
26, a day blackened in tragedy on an apocalyptic scale by the surging
tsunami waves that destroyed communities all around the Indian Ocean. It is
therefore fitting that a young man that suffered more than most on that
terrible day, Upul Tharanga, is poised to mark Sri Lanka's return with an
international debut.
Tharanga's probable selection as Sanath Jayasuriya's new opening partner has
brightened an emotional tsunami-wrecked year. It won't, unfortunately,
repair the crushed walls of his family home in Amabalangoda, a small fishing
town on the west coast, and it won't bring back all the belongings and
memories that were dragged out to sea in the debris-laden backwash. But it
will bring a smile to all his loved ones and celebration in his recovering
hometown.
Fortunately, Tharanga and his family cheated death. Like Dick Whittington
and so many budding first-class cricketers in Sri Lanka, he had left the
countryside to build a career in the city. He'd joined Nondescripts Cricket
Club and lived in a small room next to the club's gymnasium. On Boxing Day
he was safe from the waves that reduced his home to a salty pile of debris.
His family escaped too and now live with kind relatives.
His father's fishing business was severely affected and it may take many
years for financial security to return. Tharanga's pockets were so empty
after the tragedy that his mentor and friend, Kumar Sangakkara, dipped
deeply into his own wallet to give him the tools to rebuild his life: an
English willow bat, canvas pads, gloves, a helmet and more besides. Since
then he has used those tools with dazzling success and is now poised on the
brink of every Sri Lankan schoolboy's dream.
Sri Lanka have been searching hard for a reliable opening partner for
Jayasuriya in recent years. During the past 17 months no less than five have
given it a shot. But the main two contenders, Avishka Gunawardene and Saman
Jayantha, shared the bulk of the opportunities and failed to stake strong
claims. Both fired with an unacceptable inconsistency for a team that
aspires to sitting at the top of the ICC's ODI rankings and the search moved
on. As Tom Moody told reporters: "The opening slot as been a revolving door
and time has now come to shut the door."
Moody has not seen a great deal of Tharanga, a wispy left-hander blessed
with natural timing, but he has seen enough to be impressed: "To me he is a
young exciting player who is a natural striker and someone who times the
ball well. He suits the opening position in one-day cricket because he is a
natural shot-player as does not need to go searching for the ball and he is
also athletic in the field."
Tharanga's name first caught the eye during the Under 19 World Cup last year
when he cracked 117 against South Africa and then 61 in 42 balls against
India in the next game. Then, after a successful tour with the Under 19 team
to Pakistan, Sri Lanka's cricket board sent him to play league cricket in
Essex, where he starred for Loughton Cricket Club. He soon graduated to the
A team and after accomplished performances against West Indies A earlier in
the month he was selected for the national squad last week.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to play if given the
chance," Tharanga said modestly when asked about his call-up. "I am
completely devoted to this game and my ambition is to cement a place in the
Sri Lanka team." Sri Lankan fans hope he is able to as well because a new
top-class opener is essential to the side's long-term health. Just as
importantly, after such a harrowing year, he deserves a good break.
Charlie Austin is Cricinfo's Sri Lankan correspondent