Thilan - a role model for aspiring Test Cricketers

The ‘cow boy’ style cricket with coloured clothing could well be the order of the day with the lovely game of cricket becoming more commercial. But we could never forget the established game which is the origin of cricket.

The longer version of the game may look boring for those who expect instant things all the time. But it is the right way to master the game and the ideal manner in which a youngster could sharpen his raw talents.

Sri Lanka batsman Thilan Samaraweera was a classic example for all those budding cricketers who are dreaming of becoming a Test cricketer in future. The manner in which this dependable middle order batsman compiled his unbeaten century in the current third Test against India was exemplary and excellent.

Thwarted India’s quest

The Indian bowlers were gradually taking control on the second day morning as Samaraweera began at his overnight total of 65. Left-arm orthodox bowler Pragyan Ojha and paceman Ishant Sharma were gradually exerting pressure on the overnight pair of Samaraweera and Angelo Mathews. The duo was successful to a greater extent but Samaraweera’s defence stood firm.

It was Samaraweera who thwarted India’s quest for early wickets. Pressure from the Indian bowlers doubled after Samaraweera passed 85 runs but he negotiated that tight situation in equal fashion. Despite the control he had on the previous day, Samaraweera had to undergo different circumstances on the morning he approached his 12th Test century.

Even when he was in his nervous nineties, a smiling Samaraweera, played intelligently, keeping his cool. That was a classic example for any cricketer, especially schoolboy cricketers who often fail to handle crunch situations.

Samaraweera picked only the bad balls to get his runs and played deadly balls with due respect. That was the secret of his success story. Patience, dedication and devotion have been the hallmarks of this great cricketer who maintains a relatively high batting average than most of the other top batsman in the world.

Perhaps, his copy book style of batting may look boring and monotonous to those who expect explosive cricket and some crazy fans who expect their batting heroes to hammer every single ball over the ropes. In contrast, Samaraweera was an exemplary cricketer who has mastered the established game well. Though he was labelled only a Test cricketer, Samaraweera has also proved his ability to switch on to one day internationals, scoring two centuries.

Anchored Sri Lanka innings

Playing in his 60th Test for Sri Lanka, Samaraweera made an unbeaten 137 to anchor Sri Lanka first innings to 425 all out. If not for his brave innings and hard work to hold one end with rock-solid defence, the Indians would have well restricted Sri Lanka to around 300 runs.

His impressive record with an average of 53.34 speaks volumes of control he had against his opponent bowlers. Considered as a master batsman to face spinners, 11 of 12 centuries scored by Samaraweera have been in subcontinent wickets which often favour slow bowlers.

The manner in which Samaraweera negotiated spinners on a responsive pitch was commendable and was no easy task. It was definitely a ‘hard-earned’ century by Samaraweera who came to bat with the total reading157 for 3, with Ojha bowling a tight spell. More importantly, the Indian spinners were getting appreciable turn, especially Ojha, and the runs were hard to come on Wednesday morning. But the reliable Lankan middle order batsman did not go for any rash strokes and even refused singles at times.

Reached century in great fashion

He finally reached his century before lunch in great fashion with the Indians conceding five runs due to an overthrow. The Indians knew that removing Samaraweera was a gigantic task. Hence, they opted to pressurise the batsman at the other end.

The Indian strategy worked well as last six Sri Lanka wickets produced only 95 runs. Sri Lanka first innings would have looked gloomy if not for the sheet anchor role played by Samaraweera. He has now made it a habit of keeping Sri Lanka innings together as the last line of defence in the middle order.

As a sweet timer of the ball, Samaraweeta displayed a superb grasp of the Sara pitch, keeping a good eye on the ball. He read the deliveries early, potted the vicious and turning balls quickly as the Indian bowlers made a desperate attempt to stop his forward march.

He had an excellent footwork and was confident both in attack and defence.

It was unfortunate that Samaraweera had to run short of partners. None of the last five Sri Lanka batsmen reached double figures after the departure of Mathews. Had there been at least one other batsman after Mathews to support Samaraweera from the other end, Sri Lanka would have well made a 500 plus, or even 600 total.

Vital ingredient in Sri Lanka team

Ever since making his debut for Sri Lanka with rich harvests, Samaraweera has been a vital ingredient in the Sri Lanka Test team. It seems that he has mastered the art of playing spinners in great fashion. He once maintained an extraordinary high average of 100 plus. Samaraweera signalled his entry to Test arena with a debut century 103 not out against India at SSC grounds in August 2001.

There have been several Sri Lanka Test batsmen in the past who had played the game with high technique. In the early part of Sri Lanka’s Test history, it was Sidath Wettimuny and Roy Dias who had a wide range of strokes with superb technique.

Former Sri Lanka captain Ranjan Madugalle is another ex-Test batsman who was a treat to watch at the middle. Among the others who had similar batting skills were Hashan Tillakaratne and Marvan Atapattu. They played copy book style cricket that was a classic example for any beginner.

With the limited over cricket fast developing along with Twenty20, one wonders we could ever see this type of elegant stroke play with high technique in future.