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by Premasara Epasinghe

The game of cricket has been governed by a series of Codes of Law for over 250 years. These codes have been subject to additions and alterations recommended by the governing authorities of the time. Since its formation in 1787, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been recognised as the sole authority for drawing up the code and all subsequent amendments. The club also holds the world copyright. Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique appeal to the fact that it should be played not only within its Laws, but also with the spirit of the Game.

There are 42 laws that govern the game of cricket. The law Number 01, refers - the players and law 42 refers to Fair and Unfair Play. The law 38 refers to run out. Then, law Nos. 24 and 25 covers the No Ball and Wide Ball.

Three key areas the Sri Lanka Team should now concentrate and pay special attention, before the 2003 World Cup which commences this week are running between the wickets, No Balls and Wide Balls and Fielding.

On 15th January, 2003, at Gabba, Brisbane, in one of their vital VB (Victoria Bitter) outings against Australia, Sri Lanka succumbed and lost to Australia by 4 wickets, mainly due to silly run outs, wides and no-balls totalling 14 (W 11 + NB 3). This was 14 bonus runs plus allowing 14 bonus hits (2 overs and 2 balls) to the opponents and poor fielding. These two were the main reasons for Sri Lanka's downfall in this match. Sanath Jayasuriya's unfortunate run out at Adelaide, on 17th January, 2003 cost the match for Sri Lanka.

Engine Room should run smoothly

To succeed in Test or ODIs, the Engine Room should function smoothly. In cricket, sense, what is the Engine Room.

The first four batsmen. The engine stalled, when Sanath Jayasuriya and Hashan Tillakaratne performed Hara Kiri in front of over 35,000 spectators at Gabba. At latter stages, there was another performance by Buddhika Fernando and Muralitharan. Sri Lanka folded up their innings, 50 overs, reading a gettable total of 211 for 9 wickets.

The ground in Australia are massive and gigantic in proposition and size comparing to Sri Lanka. Same with South African grounds, which I have seen. After driving a ball, must be able to gauge the distance and should know the number of runs you should collect for that particular shot.

The unnecessary third run, Jayasuriya tried to add to his score, quite unnecessary at the opening spells. Opening batsmen can be considered as "Explorers of Cricket". Everytime they go out, they are entering an unknown territory. This, I know through practical experience as an opener for nearly two decades.

Skipper Sanath Jayasuriya was on top gear with blistering and pleasing two consecutive centuries under his belt. The only way, I presume, the opponents can capture his wicket is to apply Law No. 38 - Run Out. A great batsman will rarely sacrifice his wicket by a run-out. In the match against England at Adelaide on 17th, Sanath collided with Sangakkara in taking a single and was out for 99 runs.

Don Bradman is the eternal flame of cricket. In the cricketing firmament, Bradman is the sun itself. All other cricketers who played with and against Sir Don Bradman, were Shadows under Bradman Sun. If my memory serves right, in his chequered and brilliant career spanning two decades, he was run out only three times. This they say, include a bad decision. (1929 at Brisbane run out for 48, 1929/1930 run out for 22 and in 1939/1940 for 76 in Adelaide).

Limited Bowling Resources

Except for reliable Muralitharan, greatest bowler of all time according to Wisden, Sri Lanka does not possess the wealth of match-winning bowlers. Therefore, only way to win a match is for them, to pile more than 275 - 300 runs, which will enable them to bowl out opponents with the available limited resources. Remember, there is no Upul Chandana (A fine gutty all rounder) or Kumar Dharmasena (A gutty fighter with experience) as backup bowlers for the 2003 World Cup.

Horrible Sight

There is no horrible sight than to see a batsman walking slowly, crestfallen, to the pavilion, being ruled run out. It reminds me of a stanza from Balavajja - Dhammapada.

Long is the night to the sleepless -

Long is the mile to the tired -

And Long is Sansara to the witless (unintelligent)-

Who knows not the sublime teaching -

After being run out, Jayasuriya must have felt the walk back to Gabba Pavilion and Adelaide Pavilion more than a mile, mentally and physically exhausted.

Main reasons for run-outs

Lack of concentration, "Faulty Calling", not grounding the bat-properly passing or crossing the crease, not taking the first run fast, not following the basic principles in running between the wickets, and not taking pains over the smallest details, are some of the reasons for run-outs.

The rules for calling are simple "Yes" - "No" - "Wait" stop using words "Shall we" - "Come One - "Okay".

There is a golden rule. Everytime, the ball is played in front of the wicket, the Striker is responsible for making the call. When the ball goes behind the stumps, it is the non stricker's call. If the ball is played exactly square to the wicket, on the off side, then it is upto the striker. If it is square on the leg side, then, it is the responsibility of the non-striker.

For the second run, the call will always be made by the batsman who is running towards the wicket nearer to the fielder with or pursuit of the ball.

Further, never run for a misfield unless there is a run and half.

The non-striker should stand well wide of the return crease. He should hold his bat in his left hand when the bowler delivers the ball, but not before, should move a yard or yard and half, down the pitch. Your partners' run is as important as your own.

A batsmen should ground the bat properly and should never carry the bat in the air.

Short singles always put pressure on the bowlers. Non-strikers should always backup.

Batsman must also remember not to run on the pitch itself or collide with your partner. This was what happened to Sanath Jayasuriya (99) at Adelaide. Call loudly, clearly, sensibly and run hard.

Fielding

Secret behind success in any team lies in their fielding. Even if your team is a mediocre one, still, if your fielding is of a very high standard, you can be a champion side. Therefore, you should consider fielding as the most important aspect of the game. In cricket, it is easy to judge the value of a batsman, who is piling on runs or a bowler taking wickets.

As you are aware, there are no facts and figures to support the real worth of an outstanding fielder. Yet, top class fielders are untold value to any side. Without outstanding fielders, you cannot in matches. Any complete batsman in the world may take a "drop catch" as a licence to bat all day.

Eradicate No Balls - Wide Balls

Sri Lanka cricket management should take special note and interest to arrest the flow of 'No Balls' and Wide Balls. The worst culprit is paceman Dilhara Fernando. It is very strange, that the fault of this bowler goes on and on, without a remedy, for many months unnoticed.

The ingredients that are necessary for a good fast bowler are a strong will, natural ability, good control, fitness, stamina & guts. A good run up and rhythm is vital.

When a bowler loses his confidence, and the moment he thinks he will be sprayed, then, the bowler loses his self confidence. A certain fear creeps into his mind, the batsman will attack him. Then, the bowler tends to bowl No Balls and Wide balls. You must counsel the bowlers who bowls no balls and wide balls mentally and physically. Constant practise, and accurate run up to the wicket and to keep line, length and accuracy will help to eradicate the menace of No Balls and Wide Balls.

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