Archives

Comment by Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle

It is said that the days of miracles are still not over. The glamour boys from the Caribbean performed a cricketing miracle when they scored the most runs in the history of the game chasing victory against the Australians in the final Test in Antigua.

When the mighty Australians led by the great Stephen Waugh bundled the Windies in the earlier Three Tests, the stage was set for them to make a clean sweep by winning the final Test.

Had the Aussies done so, they would have been the only team to win four Tests in a row in the Caribbean. Had the Windies fallen, it would certainly have been a disgrace. It was really absorbing watching this Test unfolding on ESPN.

When the Aussies went out for 240, one expected the Windies to score much more and put pressure on the Aussies. But the Kangaroos fought back to dismiss the Windies for the same score.

These two innings were played out before tea on the second day. The Aussie openers Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer who both scored centuries, saw the Aussies rattle up 171 for no wicket in double quick time at the end of day two.

The Aussies under Waugh, are a very attacking and aggressive side. They believe in scoring quickly and giving their bowlers ample time to bowl out the opposition. On the third day the Aussies rattled up a massive 417 and were all out just after tea, giving their bowlers nearly seven sessions to bowl out the Windies and at the same time allowing the Windies if they were going for it ample time to do so.

The Windies although fielding a young side, took up the challenge and what an exciting and absorbing game it turned out to be.

The Caribbean batsmen from the time they took to the game, have been known to go for their shots, whatever the wicket, the situation or however fearful the bowlers may be. Led by Brian Lara who showed the way and blazing hundreds from Ramnaresh Sarwan and Shivnarine Chanderpaul and ably assisted by Omari Banks and Vasbert Drakes, the Windies registered a famous victory which should do their game a world of good in the future.

Both teams with their attacking approach made history possible and in the end it was the game that triumphed.

Sumathipala rides again

Thilanga Sumathipala the irrepressible cricketer and administrator who many will love to hate, if the way things are going is an indication will be back at the helm of Sri Lanka's richest sports body come June 6 when the Cricket Board elections are held.

The other day at a press briefing, Sumathipala spelt out his programme of work. Sumathipala has been known to be a worker and not a talker. If he can put into practice what he preached, and he has it in him to do just that, cricket will certainly look up again.

He promised to keep politics out of cricket.

That is very important. To keep politics completely away, he must also see that the selectors too are independent and answerable to the Board as in the past. It is a pity that former World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga is contesting him. Ranatunga a no nonsense man with so much to offer would have been an ideal man in Sumathipala's team.

It is hoped that the AGM will see Sumathipala and Ranatunga, shaking hands burying the hatchet and making up for the betterment and improvement of the game. After all isn't it said that sport is the great leveller.

At the press briefing the other day, it was nice to see some of Sumathipala's former vehement critics also present.

After all isn't it said that it is beneficial to be on the winning side.

Fuard the forgotten

Much has been written and spoken about former BCCSL President Gamini Dissanayake and what he did for the player, the game and the administrator.

He no doubt needs to be honoured with a statue of him at the entrance to the BCCSL. But it has been all talk and no work in this connection.

But the man who brought Dissanayake into the limelight and showed him how, former Sri Lankan off spinning allrounder Abu Fuard is now a forgotten man. Dissanayake who realised the potential in Fuard gave him a free hand and Fuard delivered.

It was Fuard who opened the doors for cricketers from the outstations to show their prowess. Today cricketers from the outstations are able to hob knob in the big league because of Fuard's enterprise and forsight.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager