SL 'A', SA 'A' Test venue shifted to Dambulla

by S. M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy Sports Corr.

The second unofficial Cricket Test between Sri Lanka 'A' and South Africa 'A' which was scheduled to commence at the Asgiriya Stadium today has been shifted to the Rangiri Dambulu International Stadium due to the prevailing wet weather conditions in Kandy.

The shifting of the venue was decided only yesterday morning and one wonders how they are going to prepare a test wicket to last four days within 24 hours. If they succeed in doing so, Sri Lanka cricket may create a record unprecedented in the annals of local cricket, or may even enter the Guinness Book of records.

When this correspondent spoke to the local venue manager and the General Secretary of the Central Province Cricket Association Janaka Pathirana who confirmed that the match has been shifted from Asgiriya to the Dambulla.

He has also cancelled all other match arrangements which included security, medical (Ambulance, doctors, nursing staff) Sri Telecom, ball pickers, net bowlers, meals etc. and also informed Trinity College who are the owners of the Asgiriya Stadium about this cancellation.

This correspondent also contacted the venue manager of Dambulla International Stadium Sujeewa Godaliyadde who said that the shifting of this match is in the air but he has not received anything in writing due to short notice.

He said these are ten wickets but they will have to be prepared for the match which has been not done upto 2 p.m. yesterday (Monday).

There has been no rain and the weather condition is good. The two dressing rooms are ready. He also confirmed that the national curator Anuruddha Polonowita is expected anytime after that only it will be known whether this match will be played depending on the preparation of the wicket.

Shifting of this match from Asgiriya to Dambulla at the last minute apart from the preparation of the wicket will raise several issues like accommodation etc. Both teams who arrived in the hill capital on Sunday were accommodated at the Five Star Mahaweli Reach Hotel in Kandy.

The distance from Kandy to Dambulla is 72 kilometres and takes around two hours for the journey. They may have to remain in Kandy unless alternative suitable accommodation could be found in Damulla for both teams.

In the event accommodation is found at Dambulla they may have to compensate Mahaweli Reach Hotel for the reservation, and the quantum of payment is not known.

For the record the wicket at the Asgiriya Stadium has been prepared days ahead of the match and kept covered yesterday even the boundary ropes had been laid. But the outfield is soggy and has to be moved.

Since a firm booking had been made to play this match at the Asgiriya Stadium, Sri Lanka Cricket may have to pay ground hire charges, if a request for same is made by Trinity College authorities.