English fans delirious on Sanath's return

Elmo RODRIGOPULLE reporting, London, Thursday

Sri Lankan and England cricket fans are delirious with joy and welcome the inclusion of Sanath Jayasuriya in the Limited-overs squad to face in England in a Twenty20 and five one-day games, beginning with the Twenty20 at Bristol on June 25.

Writing in these columns a few days back, I said see no reason why veteran Jayasuriya should not be included in the one day squad and given a rousing send off considering the tremendous work he had done to bring the game to what it is today.

Great minds think alike it is said, I am glad that the Selectors headed by Duleep Mendis had agreed with me and seen reason and included Jayasuriya, who on his day can maul any attack with his belligerent stroke play.

The selectors would certainly come in for a bit of bashing for daring to pick Jayasuriya. But they who have played the game at the highest level, like good win need no bush, because the criticism will come from the non cricketing kind and they need not worry, but hit the critics for six like they did when at the wicket.

While welcoming Jayasuriya, the selectors would not have been faulted had they also brought in another veteran in Chaminda Vaas who along with Jayasuriya made waves for Sri Lanka cricket.

Vaas is in England performing majestically for Northants in the county scene and had he been included he would have added muscle to the batting with his vastly improved technique and baffled the England batsmen with his teasing line and movement with the ball.

Cricket fans are also delighted with the inclusion of slinger Lasith Malinga who is a bowler for the shorter versions of the game. A bowler with two hat tricks to boast of, in World Cup cricket. Malinga will be a great draw and a connossieurs delight when he gets on his bowling mark.

It is also nice to see the inclusion of leg spinning all rounder Jeevan Mendis in the squad. Leg spinners don't come dime a dozen and when there is bowler of Mendis' class, he must persevered with.

He is a genuine all rounder. The Sri Lanka Test squad should have had Mendis who would have added variety to the attack and even troubled the England batsmen with his viciously spinning leg spin and hard to read googlies. In addition he is no mug with the bat.

It is also heartening to note the appointment of Thilina Kandamby as vice captain. He is highly talented and the selectors must persevere with him so that he can gain the experience that is required for the future.