Sri Lankan cricketers lack commitment (15 January 1999)

15 January 1999

Sri Lankan cricketers lack commitment

Elmo Rodrigopulle in Australia

SYDNEY, Australia, Thursday - The Sri Lankans have only themselves to blame for their humiliating defeat at the hands of Australia in the Carlton and United one-day series at the SCG on Wednesday under lights.

The Lankans who batted admirably to run up an imposing 259 for 9 in their 50 overs, gave a lesson in how not to field and bowl when it came to bundling out the Aussies.

A victory target of 260 is no easy task to any team. When the Lankans made that big score they had the Aussies groggy and on the ropes. But that they failed to deliver the knockout blow is attributed to the lackadaisical approach on the field.

At the moment the Lankans are not at all playing like the world champions that they are. The Aussie spectators are taunting them saying that their 'A' team will beat them everytime and that they need not field their first team.

The Aussies are not wrong in thinking that way. Unless the Sri Lankans can turn things around, I am afraid they are going to be on the skids and that's how they will remain if they don't take the field committed to the task.

What has gone wrong with the world champions? That is the question that is being posed by every one here. The answer is simple and that is their approach is all wrong and they are lacking in commitment.

I am sure the Lankans have it in them to turn things around. What they must do is to believe in themselves and play with purpose. Then things will fall right.

True the Lankans are missing the steadying influence of one of their star all-rounders Aravinda de Silva. It would not be wrong to assume that had De Silva been there Sri Lanka would have won both games.

But the Lankans must be able to rally and be determined to overcome this loss and put up a good fight to show their opponents that their grand success in the World Cup was no flash in the pan.

What is unforgivable is their sub standard fielding. At one time the Lankans were an example to every other Test playing country. But surprisingly and alarmingly the delightful art of fielding has gone down the drain.

Limited over cricket demands that fielding must be tops. That is the only plus point in this style of game. Batting techniques and bowling are thrown aside, because runs have to be made whatever way and the bowling has to be negative.

If the fielding is bad, that's how the Lankans are fielding now, then whatever imposing total is made, it is of absolutely no use. It is a mystery how the Lankan fielding has nose-dived.

That the Lankans must now do is to think positive. In coach Roy Dias, skipper Arjuna Ranatunga, manager Ranjit Fernando and physio Alex Kountouri they have men who matter and who can put things on rail.

The Lankans now move on to Melbourne where they meet England on January 19. They have a few days to lick their wounds, study where they have gone wrong, put things right and come back to the form we know they are capable of. Everyone hopes to see a rejuvenated squad when the game against England is played.

Had the lbw appeal against Adam Gilchrist early in his innings gone in favour of the Sri Lankans and had not Wickremasinghe dodged catch and Jayawardena and Mahanama not dropped sitters the chances were that Sri Lanka would have chalked up victory. But that is an after thought.

Pity the way that Roshan Mahanama is playing. Confidence is everything in the game. But sadly and for no reason Mahanama seems to have lost this vital aspect and at the time of writing he is a bundle of nerves and struggling. For the betterment of the team he must fight back and get back into form. His services are essential.

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