Titmus to correct Dharmasena (5 March 1999)

5 March 1999

Titmus to correct Dharmasena

Elmo Rodrigopulle

It was a surprise to note the selection of off spinner Kumara Dharmasena in the 18-member pool from which the final 15 will be picked for the World Cup beginning on May 15 in England.

Dhamasena had been on the 'suspect' bowling action list and missed the tour of Australia for the Carlton and United one-day series.

When contacted for his views, the President of the CCSL Thilanga Sumathipala said that his coaches here had worked hard on the 'offies' action and the Technical Committee had cleared the bowler.

'But to make doubly certain we will send him to England and get former England off spinner Fred Titmus to have a look at Dharmasena's action and if he is passed, then it is up to the selectors to pick him in the final 15 for the World Cup', said the President.

If Dharmasena is cleared by Titmus and if he finds a place in the final 15, he will add muscle to the team as an all rounder of more than ordinary talent.

With the operation on off spinner Muthiah Muralitharan's shoulder, he will not be able to bowl at his best and Dharmasena should prove a fine support bowler.

Dharmasena was one of the bowlers that the International Cricket Conference recommended for corrective action.

According to Sumathipala, former leg spinner D.S. de Silva who is also the chairman of the Technical Committee will accompany Dharmasena, to England and watch Titmus working on the off spinner's action.

Sumathipala is leaving no stone unturned to see that Sri Lanka retain the hard won World Champions tag in cricket.

Sri Lanka will play 10 matches in all in the World Cup if they progress - 5 first round matches 3 super league games, semi-final and final.

Sri Lanka open the World Cup with a clash against England on May 15 at Lord's.

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