Sanath’s inclusion a boost for the national team

Kasturiarachchi WARNAKULASURIYA

It is heartening news that Sanath Jayasuriya has been recalled for Twenty20 International and opening One Day International to be played in England, to be keenly watched by millions of spectators in England and worldwide.

But the fact remains how and why Sanath was dropped from the last 2011 WC tournament.

Though it is bitter news to arouse it once again, Sanath’s wish was to play in the last 2011 WC but he could not fulfill his great expectation when the then Selection Committee worked against his inclusion despite all the agitations of the media including this scribe’s and all knowledgeable sources like versatile cricket commentator Premasara Epasinghe who was the first to enlighten Sanath’s indispensability for that encounter.

Even today the then Selection Committee is answerable for this hidden mystery and mere resigning will not do. Sanath is not a person who should retire from the shorter version of the game as still he has cricket in his blood.

Only thing he needs is a slight brush up or warm up. Since he was out of the game, since end of 2009. We invite Sanath to continue his career of one dayers furthermore by a complete overhaul of his batting attitude of going after every ball for square cuts.

He is a capable batsman to show his colours if he changes that usual aggressive manner now, and decides to settle down to play a steady opening stand with patience and consistent batting, allowing his junior opening partner to carry on while Sanath keeps on ticking the scoreboard, playing the loose balls to remain in the crease to put up a good partnership.

This way Sanath can remain in the wicket until the tail wags. By the time Sanath could easily pile up more than a half century. This may be a fairy tail to those who read it. But it is a practical strategy if Sanath is determined to change his typical way of aggressive batting and change into patient, consistent batting.

Sanath Jayasuriya is 42. There had been players who gave their mite until 47, when there was a dearth of spinners, in Sri Lanka in 1970s.

Chaminda Vaas is yet another veteran who was looked down upon over the years 2008 to 2010. He is going great guns today though the cricketing authorities sent him to wilderness in Sri Lanka.

We should try to get down his services for a couple of years at a time when fast bowlers always suffer from various injuries.

A complete overhaul should include Lasith Malinga’s revert back to Test arena.

He decided to hang his boots suddenly without thinking a second time due to a dispute with cricketing authorities regarding the IPL tour.

Lasith Malinga is a rarely gifted player produced by Mahinda College as a pocket rocket and a Mr Yorker whose services cannot be taken from any other bowler.

This maestro who claims hat-trick world records is a marvel not only to local cricket but also to exposure in the calibre of Jeff Thompson. When he shines in international cricket that credit comes to this small isle, for miracles of a wonder boy.

There are some more in the list. Indika de Saram’s name comes to my mind in this complete wholesome overhaul.

He too was not given the proper place. Had we moulded him, giving enough exposure, he would have been another jewel. So it is high time for a thorough study of what we lost in the past through negligence, nepotism and get them reverted back as services of experienced campaigners is vital for future of cricket.