Time to take stock of Sri Lankan cricket (3 February 1999)

3 February 1999

Time to take stock of Sri Lankan cricket

P Epasinghe

At the beginning of the Australian tour for the Carlton & United Tri Nation cricket series, I predicted, that it will be one of the toughest tours that Sri Lanka will undertake this year. Apart from their poor performance, even the friendly ties between the two countries were slightly tarnished and damaged, due to the Murali-Emerson-Arjuna drama. Further, it was sickening to note some Australian spectators booing at Murali, when he was bowling. These events are all un-called for. In the interest of the game, they should be stopped and forgotten once and for all. The great traditions of the game, the friendly rivalry between the two countries should remain forever. One must not forget the fact, that the game of cricket should be played not only according to written laws, but in harmony with an unwritten code of chivalry and good temper. It would do good to remember, the true greatness of the game lies in combat and comradeship combined. It's not the individual that matters, but the game of cricket. In short, the ultimate winner should be the noble game of cricket and not individuals.

Sri Lanka's performance in this Carlton and United series has left much to be desired. For a team that has the 'tag' of "World Cricket Champions," it is undoubtedly, a big come down. Sri Lanka were beaten comprehensively.

The commitment to win was not there. Fighting qualities (except for the match we won chasing 302 runs) have deserted them. Winning partnerships never blossomed. Other than Arjuna Ranatunga winning the toss consecutively eight times, and Sri Lanka chasing a mammoth total of 303 runs and wining their game against England, and the performance of young Mahela Jayawardene, there is nothing that we can boast of upto now. Another player who performed well was Upul Chandana.

An interesting point is that Mahela Jayawardene was a replacement. He was not there in the original tour party. This is some food for thought for our selectors, who do a difficult job. They dropped Mahela Jayawardena and that "gutty" player Kumar Dharmasena and went to the extent of chopping Kumar Dharmasena from the World Cup squad. I personally feel, that Dharmasena should be taken into World Cup pool. He is a player who gave his best to this country. Sometimes, his fighting qualities and experience will be an asset. Further, it's worth to have look at Chandika Haturusinghe. I feel that both these players should included in the World Cup pool.

The World Cup is around the corner and the Sri Lanka team have a lot of home work and hard work to do. There is a drop of performance in all three departments. Consistency, which is the hall-mark of champions is not there. Running between the wickets is pathetic, and early run outs have become the order of the day. Fielding is much to be desired. Bowlers bowl too many wides and no-balls. Fighting spirit is on the wane. Therefore, we have to take stock. Things look bleak as there is no proper second string side. Even the second string players like Avishka Gunawardena, Tilan Samaraweera and Suresh Perera were not tested in the Carlton & United Series. We must test and try them for the future if they are selected.

Winning and losing is all part of the game. Even if you are losing, lose after a fight. The Sri Lanka cricketers must learn to face the rising ball on fast tracks. How they surrendered was pathetic.

Added to their woes, like the Murali incident, star batsman Aravinda de Silva was on the injured list. It's sad to see Sanath Jayasuriya also getting injured and going out of the tournament.

If my memory serves right, in 1995, Sri Lanka lost to Australia in the Test series and ODIs in Australia. They learnt a lesson. It became a blessing in disguise. After the defeat Sri Lankans were a determined lot. From then onwards, they fell into a winning groove and annexed the World Cup and many more cups. I only wish that this debacle will be a good lesson to Sri Lanka and they will once again be a determined lot. The talent is there what they need is the motivation and the determination and willingness to win. I am sure that Arjuna Ranatunga, Rod Dias and Ranjit Fernando are quite capable of achieving this goal.

March will be the month of traditional big matches. It begins with the 36th annual encounter Thurstan-Isipatana. This match will be played at the Saravanamuttu Stadium on March 6 and 7. Then comes the big event the Royal-Thomian big match - 120th Battle of the Blues, which will be played from March 11th to 13th. The limited over game will be on March 20th. Both matches will be played at the picturesque Sinhalese Sports Club grounds SSC, which is considered as the Lords of Sri Lanka. The sales of tickets will start on 13th February at both Royal College and S. Thomas' College Mount Lavinia.

The big match will be an event a child will always remember and cherish for a life time. Therefore, it's the duty of all parents to see that their children participate and witness the big matches. It's a part of education. It helps to mould a child's chapter and outlook. Children should always participate in school activities. Therefore it's left to the school authorities to motivate children about the importance of witnessing school matches.

A big bouquet should be paid to the Royal-Thomian joint organising committee in providing schoolboys and everyone a safe and secure environment to witness the big event this year too. I still remember that last year's Royal-Thomian was one of the best-organised matches that I commentated. It's happy to note that the dynamic joint committee of Royal-S. Thomas' this year too have gone into action to make this year's big match a memorable one.

The Royal-Thomian is not only just another school cricket match. It is an important event in the sporting and social calendar of Sri Lanka. Therefore it is our duty to protect all spectators at the Royal-Thomian. I can be rest assured all parents, well-wishers and old boys that the Royal-Thomian will be played according to its true traditions and for all spectators it will be another memorable Royal-Thomian. Therefore, I kindly request all schoolboys of the two schools to flock round their college flags," said Mr. Lyle Pieris, Chairman of the Royal-Thomian joint organising committee.

These sentiments were expressed at a joint organising committee press conference held at the SSC pavilion recently, messrs Tryphon Mirando, Y. S. de Soysa, G. Dhamitha V. Perera, Lyle D. Peiris (Chairman), Nimal Dias Jayasinghe, Ajith Peiris, Geffari Dulapandan represented the Royal-Thomian joint committee.

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