Lanka 'A' should show more commitment

Sri Lanka 'A' cricketers will have to show more commitment and application if they are to make any impression in the on-going unofficial three test series against West Indies 'A' after virtually throwing away a possible win in the first 'test' at Dambulla.

The manner in which they lost the first 'test' showed that they were in the middle without any purpose and lacked direction to pull of a win.

In that aspect the captain Russel Arnold must take a great share of the blame for not guiding his team and inspiring his men to victory.

Arnold's captaincy lacked imagination and a sense of urgency, which his vis-…-vis Daren Ganga had in plenty.

Ganga would run up to the bowler whenever he has been hit for a couple of boundaries and discuss with him any field changes or offer him a word of advice or encouragement. These qualities were lacking in Arnold who was quite content to let things take its own course.

As a result West Indies 'A' were able to turn tables on the host country in a match which they had only a slim chance of winning after Sri Lanka 'A' had been strongly placed at one time on 161-2 chasing 316 for victory.

For todays second 'test' which starts at the Colts grounds, Sri Lanka 'A' have been strengthened by the inclusion of batsman Shantha Kalavitigoda and experienced left-arm fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa. They replace the out of form Jehan Mubarak and Priyankara Silva in the eleven that played at Dambulla.

Sri Lanka 'A' trail 0-1 in the three-match series and another wretched performance would only force the selectors hand to make wholesale changes to the squad and bring in players who are dedicated to the task of playing to win and not only eyeing for places in the national team.

The match officials are Tyronne Wijewardene and Ranmore Martinesz as umpires and Chandika Hathurusingha as match referee.

- [S.T.]