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| Tuesday, 2 March 2004 |
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Welcome Shane Warne Comment by Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle Before going on to comment on the Mobitel one-day series between Australia and Sri Lanka which was a disaster to the home team, we would like to welcome the 'sheik of tweak', the controversial Shane Warne for the Test series. Warne will always have fond memories of Sri Lanka because it was from here that he launched his phenomenal leg spinning career that has brought him great fame. How he performs, together with Sri Lanka's champion spinner Muttiah Muralitheran would be watched and followed with more than ordinary interest. Both are fighting to go past Courtney Walsh's all time wicket taking record and they should set this series on fire. To the one-day series and Sri Lanka's invincible bubble burst thanks to some unimaginative, aimless and spineless batting. Probably the initial reason for this was the sudden loss of form of the dashing Sanath Jayasuriya. But the Lankans can't hold that as an excuse for their disgraceful batting display. Jayasuriya's problem is that he is not getting in line. Other than for Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena who carried the batting on their shoulders, the rest of the batting was a sad flop. It was obvious that after Sangakkara and Jayawardena, the rest of the batsmen did not have the temperament and technique to overcome the tremendous pressure that was exerted by the champions of both versions of the game. The only way the Lankans can come out of this, is to see that they employ a psychologist. Being physically fit is not everything. They must be psyched to face threatening situations. And Sri Lanka Cricket would do well to immediately set their thoughts on getting down a renowned psychologist. In John Dyson they have got a good coach, but when up against teams that are well trained in every aspect - physical, mentally and psychologically, a psychologist is a must. Accepted and admitted that the Aussies are a awesome side. But we had our moments when we could have achieved glory. But we sadly lacked the killer instinct. It was refreshing and amazing to watch the way the Aussies fought back when their pride and glory were at stake, to finally win, which is what the game is all about. How Sri Lanka cricket must be yearning for a captain of the calibre of 'Captain Cool', Arjuna Ranatunga who was clever, cunning and who had the rare ability to get under the skin of his opponents and rattle them and also getting his team to do likewise. Skipper Ponting quite rightly asked the question as to why different wickets could not have been provided, instead of playing two games on the same wicket. Once a game is played on a wicket, it is obvious that there would be wear and tear. True rolling might settle it a bit. But when played on it again, the cracks begin to open up. Were the curators where these games were played trying to show that these venues lacked extra wickets. It is a sad indictment on these wonderful venues. The Aussies also debunked the myth that was, that the team batting first at the Premadasa International Stadium always won. It is apparent that the wickets have been slowed so as to blunt the Aussie pace. But the Aussie pacemen have shown whatever the nature of the wicket they have it in them to prove menacing, by getting the ball to bounce disconcertingly. Left hander Sangakkara playing his 100th one-day international, made it a memorable one by scoring a scintillating century. He has his game well organised. He sees the ball much quicker than most other batsmen, gets in line quickly and is able to direct the ball to where ever he wants. He is an example. Jayawardena too has got back his hunger for runs. Unruffled at all times, he has the technique and temperament and should be able to score heavily when the Tests begin. Test cricket is what the game is all about and being a different game, coach Dyson will have to work a lot more harder with his players, telling them how they should go. To lose the Test series in their own backyard, with everything in their favour will no doubt be a calamity for the game and its progress here. The run out syndrome still seems to be plaguing the Lankan batsmen and the coach will have to quickly find an antidote for it. Muralitheran apparently seems to have lost his confidence. Gone also was his delivery which he pitched yards outside the off stump, short of a length and got it to spin at right angles to menace the batsmen. It is apparent to everyone that his overdoing the mystery ball and thereby sacrificing his main wicket taking delivery. To bowl the off spinner more and surprise the batsmen with his mystery ball by bowling it occasionally should be his target. With the one-day series already lost what were the selectors trying to prove by playing him in the final game? When he came on to bowl in the slog overs he was cartered by Symonds and Hogg which would have gone to further shatter his confidence. Muralitheran would do well to get his former coach who was a similar bowler Bruce Yardley to do a bit of work with him in the nets. The Lankans would have been 4-1 down had it not been for the heroics of the gangling left-hander Nuwan Zoysa. When we first saw him in New Zealand we said that there was a bit of Clive Lloyd in his batting. On that tour the coach was Bruce Yardley who was amazed with his bowling. In this game he proved that in him Sri Lanka has the allrounder that they are looking for. He has improved his game tremendously and it is hoped that the selectors would slot him in the Test line up and give this youngster the encouragement and confidence that he needs to serve the country's game in the future. It was Lionel Nawaragodagedera and Arjuna Ranatunga who spotted Zoysa as an uncut gem at Isipatana. |
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