Sana boy makes critics eat humble pie

‘Matara mauler’ Sanath Jayasuriya made his critics eat humble pie with another spectacular performance during Sri Lanka’s second one day cricket international against England at the Brit Oval in London two days ago.

His blistering knock of 122 and that match winning three-wicket spell piloted Sri Lanka to a 46-run win to go two-up in the five-match series. Prior to his man of the match winning performance, the veteran allrounder led Sri Lanka to a sweet win in the Twenty20 international against England.

His superlative performance is of greater significance, considering the fact that he was forced to retire from Test cricket by the previous selection committee. Thanks to a far-sighted move by the new chairman of selectors Asantha de Mel, Jayasuriya is back to serve Sri Lanka in both Tests and the limited version with his dashing batting and intelligent spin bowling.

Jayasuriya made a similar stylish comeback during the last VB series in Australia. After being overlooked for the original tour squad, Jayasuriya was later rushed to Australia to strengthen the Lankan side. He took up the challenge and signalled his return with a match-winning century against Australia.

This time around in England, our champion all-rounder has let his bat to do the talking. He has silenced his critics as a true all-rounder to earn that richly deserving man of the match award at the Brit Oval. Jayasuriya masterminded England’s downfall as he led the Lankan run feast with a majestic knock of 122, which kept the spectators on the edges of their seats most of the time.

He then made life uneasy for the England batsmen, removing the two top scorers Kevin Pietersen (73) and Paul Collingwood (56) - who were clean bowled. Then when it looked as if things were going out of control, Jayasuriya got rid of the danger man Jamie Dalrymple and that inspired his teammates to place the final nail to England’s coffin with three run outs.

One should admire the courage and determination this great cricketer had even when he was at the receiving end. Not only the selectors showed him the door, but some of his own team mates made negative comments on his return to Test cricket.

A section of media too was on a malicious campaign to give a premature death to this natural cricketer’s illustrious career, during which he has become Sri Lanka’s leading run-getter in both Tests and ODIs.

But those critics and the previous selectors forgot that this very same player brought us glory by becoming the most valuable player of the tournament in our 1996 World Cup triumph. The British press were well and truly aware the qualities that Jayasuriya is made of. That was why they joined some of their Sri Lankan counterparts in painting a totally gloomy picture on Jayasuriya’s return to the side. Jayasuriya has once again given a bitter treat to all of them.

That was why captain Mahela Jayawardena, at the victory ceremony on Tuesday, had to finally admit that Jayasuriya is a player who could change a match single handed. Congratulations ‘Sana boy’!, You have once again made our country proud, maintain that spirit until the next World Cup.

Jayasuriya’s ‘rebirth’ is a classic example to our emerging young cricketers on courage and determination which are essential ingredients to make a complete sportsman. He kept his cool during darker days and when it mattered the most, bounced back in style with his brilliant best.

Different ball game

Back at home, there is a different ball game going on - off the ground. That’s to secure power at the country’s richest sports governing body - the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Minister Sripathi Sooriyarachchi sprang the biggest surprise when he announced his candidature for presidency at the July 15 SLC elections.

Minister Sooriyarachchi says he wants to unite all quarters and take Sri Lanka cricket forward with a vision. He is backed by several former Sri Lanka cricketers as well as experienced administrators, including a former President whose name is synonymous with local cricket administration over the years.

The outgoing Interim Committee chief, Jayantha Dharmadasa has already declared that he too would seek the top seat, this time by a mandate from the membership.

Joining the hot battle to secure power at the Maitland Place headquarters would be a group of former Sri Lanka cricketers, which has the support from a celebrated former Sri Lanka captain. Their aim is to make sure the gentlemen’s game here is run by the people who have played it at the highest level.

Who knows! There could be a few more surprises when the final nominations list is announced on July 1. With Sri Lanka being already awarded the Presidency of the Asian Cricket Council and a possible chance to have a strong candidate to succeed Eshan Mani at the ICC top seat, the SLC elections would be an event anxiously looked forward to by everybody.