Vaas, Murali did everything for the team - Mahela
Mahela Jayawardena, the Sri Lankan captain who is the darling of the
media was a delighted man when I met him after the game against Ireland
and spoke to him.
Jayawardena who is ready to answer any question, first gave his
reasons as to why Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitheran were left out
of the game against Australia.
Look, I have to manage with the men I have. Up to now we have played
a lot of cricket and we have been giving of our best. That is why we
have reached the semi-finals of this World Cup.
‘Vaas and Muralitheran have been bowling a lot. Every time I have
called on them, they have ungrudgingly given their all. ‘These two
bowlers are our match winners. They have to be nursed, what with the
all-important semi-finals and final ahead.
‘In the circumstances, they badly needed a rest, so that they can
comeback with their batteries recharged. That was the reason for them
being left out’, said Jayawardena. That was sound reasoning. Jayawardena
also revealed that he had to give Dilhara Fernando, who is nursing an
ankle injury a rest, fearing that if he played he could further
aggravate the injury.
‘He is also a vital cog in our attack’, said the captain. Jayawardena
said that they are looking forward to meeting New Zealand in the first
semi-final in Jamaica. ‘This is the first time that we will be playing
in Jamaica. From reports reaching us the wicket there is also similar to
what we have been playing on.
‘by having a look at the wicket, we might probably be able to gauge
how it would be played, said Jayawardena.
With opener Upul Tharanga unable to maintain consistency with the
bat,
I asked Jayawardena whether he would be contemplating making a
change.
‘While admitting that it was a cause for worry. Tharanga’s
inconsistency Jayawardena said that for the last 12 months Jayasuriya
and Tharanga have been a formidable opening pair and gave us good
starts.
‘When we sit to pick the team for the semi-final, we will see if this
question needs addressing’, said a non-committal skipper.
Jayawardena also said that the team has been playing good cricket and
that has led to their success. ‘We take it match by match. We have a
game plan. We try to execute it. So far it has worked beautifully and
successfully. And we are looking to maintain the same momentum’, said
Jayawardena.
Jayawardena has instilled on his players to do the basics right.
‘The team spirit is high. Every member gives me 100 per cent. Now
that we have come so far in the tournament, every member is determined
to go the full hog and carry away the trophy’, said the skipper.
From the way the Lankans are playing, and the manner in which they
ruthlessly mauled the Irish, is an indication, then there is no reason
why they should not realise their hopes of taking away the World Cup
2007.
What is also soothing is the return to form of Jayawardena at the
right time. He had a poor run with the bat and is now peaking at the
right moment.
The knowledgeable here are also amazed at Jayawardena’s excellent
captaincy. His every move has been well thought out and is all the time
thinking how to lure a batsman to his demise. They reckon that he richly
deserved the ICC captain of the year award.
Grenada National Stadium, Thursday |