Sanga commends SLC

Skipper Kumar Sangakkara and his team yesterday commended the efforts of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for their prompt action to bring in Rangana Herath from England to replace the injured Muttiah Muralitharan for the opening Test match against Pakistan.

The 31 year old left arm spinner had instant success as he returned his career best figures of four wickets for 15 runs to win his first Man of Match award and help Sri Lanka to snatch a dramatic 50 run victory at the Galle International stadium.

As soon as Muralitharan was ruled out with a damaged ligament, Sri Lanka Cricket responded immediately by calling an urgent teleconference meeting between the Chairman National Selection Committee Ashantha de Mel, skipper Kumar Sangakkara and Secretary Interim Committee Nishantha Ranatunga.

Their unanimous decision was to recall Rangana Herath who was representing Staffordshire in the English League at that moment. Chairman Interim Committee D. S. de Silva then made certain that Herath will be mentally prepared to play in the Test match by making arrangements to get him down to Colombo on business class within a short period of time.

Their efforts did not go in vain because Herath was able to fashion one of the greatest victories for Sri Lanka and also to give Kumar Sangakkara success in his very first Test match as captain.

- (C.D)