|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 9 March 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Sports | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Spinners wicket Comment by Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle Apparently desperation has crept into the Sri Lankan cricket camp. If this is not so how can one explain the rush to prepare a wicket that would be spin friendly from the first ball of the First Test that began at the Galle Esplande, yesterday. Apparently they have prepared this wicket to aid Muralitheran. But it must be remembered that while Sri Lanka would fire through Muralitheran, Aussies have two spin scuds in Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill whose spin too would be difficult to counter. If the Lankan ploy backfires, it would be egg on the face. One hopes it would not be a four-day Test. The First of Three Test matches is of vital importance to cricket in the country. If Sri Lanka were to lose the series, it would be a great calamity. Before the Aussies arrived we were celebrating, complacent that we could beat them in the one-day series and that would spur us to also pocket the Test series. Everyone was talking big that after toying with the England team, the Aussies would be easy meat. But how the one-day series ended with the kangaroos having it easy, has made everyone concerned with the game to re-think and as the saying goes 'not to count the chickens before they are hatched'. True that hope rests eternal in the human breast. But that hope must be backed with having the artillery to shoot down the opponents. As the one-day games unfolded it was evident that we are sadly lacking in most aspects of the game. On our own wickets, prepared to be on the slow side, although curators would want to deny this, to baulk the marvellous stroke play of the visiting batsmen, greats such as Ponting, Martyn and Symonds especially adjusted their game and revelled. Their pacemen too, Gillespie, Lee and Kasprovicz showed that they could adjust to whatever the surface and be manacing. While it is not worth crying over spilt milk, that was the one-day series, we would like to turn the searchlight to the Three Tests where cricketers, cricket fans and administrators are eagerly awaiting a better showing. Some critics are endeavouring to show that everything is not well in Sri Lanka Cricket, what with the AGM to be held shortly. SLC has done well to bowl out these critics sending timely denials and clarifications. It has been customary when we fail to win to blame the debacle on the administrators. The cricketers would do well to understand that they have been provided with everything, from a good coach, to helpful wickets and above all the finances that the cricketers seem to be more concerned about, and not how they perform. So it is hoped that if they were to lose they won't blame it on the administrators. Playing is one thing and administration is another. A close study of the potential of both teams, proves undoubtedly that the Aussies are an awesome side, well versed in all aspects of the game. They are tight, elegant and above all aggressive which is the most important aspect. In batting they have a line up of stroke players which is the envy of other teams. The bowling is hostile and penetrative while their fielding is an example. If the one-dayers are an indication what has Sri Lanka to offer. In the batting only Sangakkara and Jayawardena stood like Horatius on the burning deck and fought. With Muralitheran proving innocuous, only Vaas shouldered the burden. The fielding other than for Dilshan, Chandana and Jayawardena left much to be desired. Our fielding in the not too distant past, when former Aussie Trevor Chappell was in charge was brilliant and envied. At this level the Lankans need not be told that and reminded of the time honoured adage that 'catches win matches'. The only one Sri Lanka has of using these spins friendly conditions is Muttiah Muralitheran, while the Aussies have three in Shane Warne, Stuart Macgill and Brad Hogg. Whatever the wicket, the Aussies have the bowlers to exploit. They can fight be it with pace or spin. In Muralitheran Sri Lanka had a Weapon of Mass Destruction (WMD). But if the one-dayers, where the Aussie batsmen played him comfortably are an indication and if they continue to blunt him in the Tests, then this WMD which Sri Lanka possessed for a long time would be of no use and Sri Lanka could well earn the tag-without Muralitheran Damned-WMD. Vaas has the ability to get the early breakthrough. But that would be of little use if Muralitheran fails to deliver. The only other bowler who could worry the Aussies is leg spinning all-rounder Upul Chandana. Whether he would be given long spells would be interesting to watch. A leg spinner is expected to buy his wickets. As for the batting the only ones who could be relied on are Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena. Jayawardena has scored heavily on this track and with his correct technique should continue the good run. The experienced Jayasuriya and Atapattu must get into the scoring act if Sri Lanka is to be competitive. The only way the Lankans can compete on equal terms is to be aggressive like the Indians did. Skipper Tillekeratne will have to set the example. He will have to match his opposite number Ponting move for move. Failure to do so could be disastrous. As for Ponting, if we could carry the success he has achieved in the 'cowboy game' into the Tests, he could soon be bracketed with former Aussie great captains such as Sir Donald Bradman, Richie Benaud, Ian Chappell, Mark Taylor and Steve Waugh. As a leader he is all aggression and that is rubbing on his teammates. As it stands, the Aussies should wrap up the Test series too. But them cricket is a funny game. If the scales are to be tilted in Lanka's favour, then Muralitheran will have to perform his magic of old. Peter Manuel affair As for the incident in Dambulla where umpire Peter Manuel called back Andy Symonds after wrongly ruling him out, the one factor that stands out is that he has a conscience. Having been teammates at the BRC where we played in trophy winning teams, I can vouch for Manuel's honesty and integrity. May more of his like take to the sacred job of umpiring. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
