Sri Lanka News Round-up (17 Nov 1997)

Monday 17, November 1997

SRI LANKA SPORTS NEWS AT-A-GLANCE

Compiled by Dinesh Weerawansa.

* Sri Lanka's classy all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya is set to reach a great personal milestone in his cricketing career when his team's three-Test series against India which starts in Mohali on November 19.

Jayasuriya, who is ranked No.1 in the latest CEAT International cricketer of the year world ratings and the fourth highest scorer in Test cricket, needs just 56 runs to complete 2,000 Test runs. In 27 Tests for Sri Lanka, Jayasuriya has scored 1,944 runs with an average of 49.84 - the highest enjoyed by a Sri Lankan batsman. Though Jayasuriya has a better record in one day internationals scoring over 3,000 runs and capturing over 100 wickets, he has taken only nine Test wickets averaging 62.83.

* A fine knock of 52 (6 fours, 1 six) by skipper Upul Sumanasekera and fine spell of medium pace bowling by J. R. Ariyadasa (4 for 13) helped Gampola cricket club to score a six wicket win over young stars sports club, Galhinna in their Cricket Board's Division 111 cricket tournament match played at Gampola.

Young stars SC from the village of Galhinna close to Matale are making their debut in hard ball cricket this season put up a good display despite losing to a stronger team. Young stars side do not even have a ground to practise and teams like this should be encouraged. In reply to Young Stars SC's 143 all out in 37.2 overs, Gampola CC made 147 for 4 in 27.4 overs with a top score of 52 by Upul Sumanasekera.

* Thurstan College scored a first innings win over Lumbini MV in their Horlicks Trophy under 13 cricket tournament match played at Thurstan Road. Chief score: Lumbini MV: 60 and 66 for 6 at close. Thurstan: 125 for 5 declared.

* Isipatana `B' recorded two good victories over D.S.Senanayake `B' and St.Joseph's `B' to qualify to play in the second round of the Horlicks trophy under 13 cricket tournament which is now in progress in Colombo.

They beat D.S.Senanayake on the first innings with Thilina Dissanayake been the matchwinner. He captured 5 for 30 and helped his team dismiss the opposition for just 89 runs. He played a dominant role in the game against St.Joseph's College `B' and claimed 3 for 45.

* Wicket keeper batsman Lanka de Silva is set to make his Test debut for Sri Lanka in their first Test against India which starts in Mohali on November 19.

De Silva is the No.1 wicket keeper in the 16-member Sri Lanka squad now touring India. He has only played for Sri Lanka in one day internationals but the national selectors decided to retain him in the Sri Lanka side for Tests as well after the Independence quadrangular tournament in Pakistan. Romesh Kaluwitharana who kept wickets at Sri Lanka's last Test series, also against India at home, has not been included in the tour party. Leg spinneer Jayantha Silva is tipped to return to the Sri Lanka team following his impressive performance in the 3-day warm up game against Indian Board X1.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)