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| Monday, 25 October 2004 |
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Life and times in sport: Asantha De Mel - man of principles by Premasara Epasinghe A selector's job is interesting, sometimes exasperating, occasionally heartbreaking. If anyone were to ask the question, what class of useful men receive most abuse and the least thanks for their services? We should without hesitation reply selectors. When the going is good the players set all praise. When a team loses, someone will pin point and say the selection was wrong.
Today, I feature Asantha De Mel. Chairman of the Selectors - Sri Lanka Cricket. He is a double international CRICKET and BRIDGE. To begin with, he is a man of principles. A man with a vision for the future. He calls a spade a spade. He is a strict disciplinarian, who takes decisions according to his conscience. De Mel - former Sri Lanka fast bowler in 17 Tests captured 59 wickets. Undoubtedly, he was one of the best placeman that Sri Lanka produced. With his fiery spells, he tormented many batsmen of international repute. De Mel was born on May 9, 1959. His beloved parents - Robert De Mel and Mrs. Sumana De Mel served at Central Bank of Ceylon. He had his early education at Isipatana College and after Ordinary Levels, he entered Royal College. Young and energetic schoolboy Asantha had the proud distinction of representing both Isipatana and Royal College. He played in the centenary Royal-Thomian Match played at the SSC grounds on March 8, 9, 10 1979. In the who's who of Royal College Centenary Team, De Mel was introduced in the following manner:- "Right Arm Medium Pace Opening Bowler. A hard hitting batsman. A safe fielder. Represented Sri Lanka schools against the visiting Australian Under 19 team in 1978 and against Pakistan Under 19 team in 1979." De Mel opened bowling with Rajive Wijetunga in this historic match. He bowled 11 overs in the first innings and captured the wickets of R. G. de Alwis and skipper J. D. Pieris and returned the figures of 11-3-29-2. In the second essay he took 2 for 26. De Mel was one of the best all-rounders that Sri Lanka produced. He was a gutty player who always put country before self. In club cricket, he first played for Peterson S.C. Although he was a spin bowler when he played for school, at Peterson, he had to fill the role as an opening bowler. That was how his illustrious career began. He spoke very highly of late Malein Salih who helped him to blossom as a cricketer. In 1979 he joined the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) and represented the Club till 1986. They say fast bowlers are born, not made there are few important qualities of a fast bowler. The ability to bowl fast, stamina and physical fitness, "killer instinct", the ability to think a batsman out. The ability to swing the bowl at will, the ability to bowl a good bouncer and yorker. A good captain, good fielders, particularly slips and wicket keeper, fast bouncy wicket, the ability to cut the balls of the wicket. A fast bowler should also be well co-ordinated and athletic, flexibility of limbs is very important to a paceman. He should also posses a store will and natural ability. De Mel was an embodiment of all these qualities. Asantha represented Sri Lanka from 1981 to 1987. He first won his Sri Lanka Cricket colours in 1981. He participated in 1983 and 1987 World Cups, and performed creditably well. De Mel played a key role in Sri Lanka's first Test victory, Sri Lanka beat India at the P.Sara Stadium on 11th September, 1985, at 4.21 p.m. when Rumesh Ratnayake dismissed Kapil Dev for 78, when he held on to a catch off his own bowling. De Mel bowled 31 overs, 8 of which were maidens and captured 2 wickets for 63. In the second innings, he ended up with figures of 22-04-63-02. He captured the two vital wickets of Sunil Gaveskar (19) and Mohommad Azuruddin (25). In this match Sri Lanka scored 385 and 206 for 3 and India replied with 244 and 198. A recent statement made by the Chairman of the selection committee De Mel accusing Sri Lanka Cricket Team of being selfish and a report from Pakistan. Marvan Attapattu making a remark that, Chairman's statement motivated them to score a superb win over Pakistan, has hit the headlines. When I contacted De Mel he said that he is very happy that his statement motivated the Team to beat Pakistan in the Finals of the Paktel Series-Tri Nation ODI. "I always wanted Sri Lanka to win, but, at the same time, build a team for the future. As selectors, we feel that there should be players good enough to replace any of the seniors, if the need arises at any given time. You cannot be selfish in this noble game. There has to be a situation, where Sri Lanka Cricket has also go to be thought of. You have to invest in the young players. The only way, we can invest them, is while the experienced players are around. It should be a blend of experienced senior players and up and coming young players. Otherwise, there is no future for our young players. We have to try them out. In short-term we need them to play as long as possible, but in long-term we also have to try and groom them while seniors are still playing. Australia is doing that now. If we do not groom the young talented players in years to come, like the West Indies we too will go through a big vacuum," stated De Mel. De Mel is a versatile sportsman. Not only in cricket, he excelled in Rugby Football too. As a schoolboy, he represented Isipatana and Royal in Rugby and later played for Peterson. He represented Sri Lanka in Bridge. He still continuing playing Bridge, which is an intellectual game. "My father's sister Manel Trepte is a Bridge Teacher. She taught me the basics and the finer points of the game," stated De Mel. His wife Julia Anne, is a tower of inspiration to this great unassuming sportsman. They have two lovely daughters - Stephanie and Daniella. |
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In short, a selector's job is a thankless and a rewardless job.
