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| Wednesday, 17 March 2004 |
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Consolation for Sri Lankan cricket fans in Australia by Clifford Landers from Australia Melbourne (Monday)- While cricket fans and supporters here were inflicted with further disappointment by the Sri Lankan cricketers after the humiliating loss in the first Test including Muttiah Muralitharan's race to the 500-wicket mark, they however gained consolation in that Shane Warne-their adopted country and state player and not so distant neighbor- achieved the rare feat in their motherland. They paid tribute to the gallant Aussies and especially Warne for being only the second bowler in Test history to reach the milestone, his remarkable comeback and for his determined qualities. A few also reluctantly wished while others in lighter vein agreed that Warne's comeback from 'exile' should have been delayed enabling him to miss the tour. Dinush Corera, told the 'Daily News' that for Australia to emerge victorious under unfriendly conditions after the locals dictated terms during the first three days and that only Warne used pitch conditions to great advantage, deserved acclamation. "It was a heroic effort considering that they did not have the Mcgraths, Lees or the Waughs in their ranks. As for Warne he could not have asked for a better wicket than Hashan Tillekeratne's - the opponent's skipper - to reach the 500 mark. I wonder now how fearless or fearful the Lankan batsmen feel for Warne", he said. Gamini Liyanage, a former Sri Lanka Navy cricketer and his brother-in-Law Christo de Silva, ardent and passionate fans expressed confidence in their team. "We are sure that the loss would have taught them a lesson or two and they would comeback determined firing all cylinders in the next two games. Although the one-day series was lost, we are confident that the Test series will not be so", they said. Karthik Murugan Arasu, a jubilant Indian fan who was celebrating India's 5-run win over traditional rivals Pakistan in the first one-day played on Sunday, sympathized with his Sri Lankan friends and fans. "My deepest sympathies to all Sri Lankans and fans. I was anxiously waiting along with my other Indian friends to join you in celebrating the one-day and Test match series wins over the Aussies but so far it has eluded them. But we invite you to get on our bandwagon and support the Indians in a bid to drown your sorrows. We also wish to thank the Sri Lankans in Melbourne, Australia and Sri Lanka for extending their support to the Indian team and during their recent tour down under", he said. |
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