Run out nonsence in Zim must stop

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE

Sri Lanka Cricket and the new selection committee must step in immediately and stop the rot that is taking place in Zimbabwe where opener Upul Tharanga is being a run out victim.

He was also run out in the first game against India. But the run out against Zimbabwe in the second game was unacceptable. To those in the know, it is obvious as to what is happening out there in the middle in Robert Mugabe country.

SLC and the selectors owe a duty by Tharanga who is fighting his way to be in contention and a part of Sri Lanka cricket, especially the 2011 World Cup in the sub continent.

Tharanga has been ignored in the recent past for his poor form. He is now fighting his way back.

Then it is the duty of all concerned to help this talented left handed elegant batsman get back into big time cricket. In the game against Zimbabwe, Tharanga played a ball to the off and the right of calling was his and he set off for a run that was there.

Skipper Tillekeratne Dilshan responded and then refused. Not done.

Tharanga did not make any effort to get back because he was mid pitch and disgust showed on his face on the way back to the pavilion. We felt sorry for the young batsman.

Enough is enough and the rot must stop.

In the first game against India the Lankans lacked depth in every aspect of the game. Dilshan behind the stumps was a sad sight. The selectors on tour realising this ‘gloved’ Dinesh Chandimal which was the sensible thing to do.

It went to underline what I said in my ‘COMMENT’ column that wicket keepers do not for most times make good captains. Selectors Ranjit Fernando and Amal Silva who were wicket keepers must take note.

After their listless effort that led to their loss to India, they were helped to keep their chances alive in the tourney by a victory in a rain-shortened game where the overs were reduced to 27. After dismissing Zimbabwe who upset the Indians in the first game, the Lankans who lost to the Indians, helped by some unimaginative batting by the home team romped home to victory and in so doing obtained that all important bonus point.

Spinners Jeevan Mendis, Ajantha Mendis and Suraj Randiv showed the way to victory. The threesome bowled intelligently, varying their deliveries and the Zim batsmen who made merry against India looked a sad sight except for Mazakadza who made merry to make 62.

The Lankans obtained the runs for victory for the loss of Tharanga’s wicket. He made a lovely and wristy 40 before being unnecessarily run out. Dilshan and Chandimal remained unbeaten on 60 and 10.

It was a delighted Suraj Randiv who won his first man of the match award in big time cricket.