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Sports

Will fickle weather turn a spoiler?
By Bernie Wijesekera
The England cricket team who are on a wave of success will be here on Nov. 13 for a three test series and a one-day series that will also include three onedayers.
The England team was here in 2001 when they won the test series 2-1 under Nassar Hussain.

With the prevailing weather conditions and with evening showers followed by bad light this part of the year, it doesn't look all that healthy for the summer sport. Will rain have the final say?

The three test matches will be played at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy, from Dec. 10 to 14, at the Galle Esplanade from December 2-6 and at the picturesque SSC grounds from December 18 to 22.

The Sunday Times made investigations pertaining to the facilities and the ground conditions. Janaka Pathirana, who handles the Asgiriya Stadium said the entire venue will be terraced and will be equipped with new seating accommodation with covered stands to accommodate 4000 fans.

There will be a security fence with 200 Policemen on duty. Ten days prior to the match it will be handed over to the Police. Commenting on the prevailing weather conditions and the chances of five days of uninterrupted cricket, he said that during the last five years there has beeen light showers during this part of the year. In case of a heavy deluge a manhole will be dug across the main road to drain the water on another course.

The Mayor of Kandy. Kesera Senanayake, is assisting us to overcome this - along with Hafiz Marikar, who is working round the clock to make it a reality. He said even the media facilities will be improved during this game. Without a sopper machine in attendance make sure that there are at least 50 gunny bags and some buckets at hand in readiness if the weather Gods are going to be unkind. Galle Esplanade

The other outstation venue - the historic Ramparts grounds - the Galle Esplanade with its panoramic view without a doubt is one of the best in the world. It has produced some great sportsmen who have done proud to the country on and off the field. The likes of C.E.M. Karunaratne, Neil de Silva, Podimahatmaya, L.R. Ariyananda, the Guruge brothers, Ajith de Silva, at present the master blaster Sanath Jayasuriya etc.

Jayananda Warnaweera the former Sri Lanka medium pacer at present handles this venue. Speaking about the ground preparation Warnaweera said that the all preparations where the ground was concerned is under control and he was sure that they could have a good track ready for the game.He said" It’s in good condition, and even the drainage system which was a talking point in the past has been improved. A test match should be able to last five days and generate excitement".

He also added that even the seating facilities for the spectators has been improved.
When asked about the problems Galle Esplanade faced during the English tour of 2001 the answers were provided by the secretary to the Sri Lanka Cricket Mohan de Silva( including the problem of having only two toilets.). He said that this area is still found wanting. and added that they will try to improve on it. "The shortcomings at the Galle Esplanade will be looked into and will strive to improve it at least for the future. Let's all of us put our heads together for a common cause". added de Silva.

Picturesque SSC
The venue in Colombo - the beautiful Singhalese Sports Club. Without doubt its the best international venue in the country -C.B.S. Perera the Works Manager, who looks into the affairs of the venue said, the ground has been result oriented and has lasted for five days without let or hindrance.

It has provided good cricket and came in for high praise from foreign teams. Last time when the Englishmen were here, the game lasted for five days and the visitors won the match with sheer determination and better application.

The outfield is in good shape. Special emphasis being paid with regular rolling the ground staff is totally committed and is working round the clock. But it dampen their hearts with the prevailing weather conditions. One can't fight against nature, Perera said.

Floodlights at Dambulla
Commenting on the one-day international venues was once again the secretary to the Sri Lanka Cricket Mohan de Silva. He said that preparations at both venues( Rangiri Dambulla and the R. Premasdasa Stadium ) were on schedule and the floodlights at Rangiri Dambulla Stadium were under construction. Once the lighting is completed the Sri Lanka Cricket has organised a warm up game between two selected teams on the 14th of November.

The one day games scheduled are --18th November at Rangiri Dambulla and 21st and 23rd November at R. Premadasa Stadium.

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