Team-work key to our success, says Aravinda

Chris Dhambarage

Batting legend and consultant coach Aravinda de Silva believes that early preparations, total commitment and excellent team work were the main reasons for the Sri Lanka Under 19 team's recent success in Australia.

The Sri Lanka under 19 team led by Peterite all rounder Chatura Peiris created history by winning the five match one day youth series 3-2 in their preparations for the up coming ICC Youth World Cup in New Zealand.

Aravinda de Silva stated that the boys stuck to their task and performed admirably despite having to experience tough conditions both physically and mentally.

De Silva who won the Wisden Cricketer of the year Award in 1996 said that the team could have pulled off the series more convincingly had there been more recovery time following a strenuous 30 hour journey from Colombo to Darwin.

However the former Sri Lanka captain noted that the boys need to learn soon and come through the hard way which is one area that they should also concentrate in an attempt to become more competitive on the field.

De Silva a veteran of 93 Tests and 308 one day internationals was really impressed with the courage and determination displayed by the entire team members throughout this gruelling series.

The best example in fact came from the captain Chatura Peiris who did not mind even risking a fractured finger to lead the side following an injury during the second one day international.

De Silva said that Chatura Peiris was prepared to lead the side from the front despite nursing an injury and that also lifted the morale of the entire side. He also commended the efforts of Kithruwan Vithanage and Rumesh Buddhika who was named Man of the Series.

In fact the Sri Lanka under 19 team went into the fifth and final one day under tremendous pressure and was facing a must win situation after Australia had levelled the series 2-2.

But the team certainly rose to the occasion and held their nerves magnificently to pull off a four wicket victory in a low scoring affair. It was the bowlers who fashioned this victory as they skittle out the home side for just 122 runs from 37.3 overs.

De Silva who will be always remembered for his batting heroics in the 1996 World Cup final against Australia, said that the bowlers had a good series and were able to get accustomed to the conditions quickly.

De Silva noted that the first three games were played on typical fast and bouncy Australian wickets which the players responded magnificently where they took a 2-1 lead in the series.

He said that despite their success in this series there are still several areas that the players will need to keep on improving after every outing. Sri Lanka will host a Tri Series along with Bangladesh and Pakistan next month and are also scheduled to tour South Africa for a similar series.

De Silva was confident that they could make an impact at the next ICC Under 19 World Cup although the event is still three months away from getting underway. He believe that the most important aspect is to become more competitive on the field with the ideal preparations both physically and mentally.

The Sri Lanka under 19 team.

Chatura Peries (captain - St. Peter's), Banuka Rajapakse (vice captain - Royal), Nipun Karunanayake (Nalanda), Rumesh Buddika (Mahinda), Lahiru Jayaratne (St. Peter's), Charith Jayampathy (D. S Senanayake), Udara Jayasundara (Ananda), Denuwan Rajakaruna (Mahinda), Adeesha Nanayakkara, (Nalanda), Andre Berenger (St. Peter's), Akshu Fernando (St. Peter's), Kithruwan Vithanage (Royal), Danushka Gunathilaka (Mahanama), Saranga Rajaguru (Nugawella Central), Kasun Madushanka (St. Servatious Matara), Rushan Jaleel (Trinity College).