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Moving ball worry Under 19 cricketers
By Bernie Wijesekera
At the height of the summer in Old Blighty the junior Lankan team led by Angelo Mathews played quite a number of warm-up games before the start of the first test on August 3, at Shenley Cricket Ground. But it was not heart-warming for the lads as they played amidst overcast skies and chilly conditions ans they lost the one-day three-match series 2-0.

In humid conditions here they showed up well in batting, bowling and fielding (sprawling catches). But what about the acclimatization to the conditions in the Mecca of cricket? Similar conditions prevail at Radella (Nuwara Eliyaa). A beautiful ground with all facilities for a residential camp plenty of accommodation (within the precincts). Weather has been a daunting task and the lack of mental toughness and the ability to adjust themselves to the conditions.

This was revealed by Warnkulasuriya before the start of the tour. Some of the players at times wear two sweaters when they had to confront this weather, overnight. In this four-day game unlike in an overs game the players, must possess perseverance, patience and application to play a long innings, for their own future betterment and to come on terms. It is the seam bowling and the moving ball that has been worrying the local batsmen.

This first test at the beautiful Shenley Cricket Ground should be the ideal barometer for our batsmen to match their skills with better concentration.
The top order led by openers Sameera Soysa - the wicket-keeper batsman and burly all-rounder Sachithra Serasinghe followed by that elegant free-scoring Dimitri Siriwardena, Dilhan Cooray, Prabudu Perera, Ashan Peiris has made plenty of runs in school cricket. Now they have to prove themselves if they are to climb the cricketing ladder, against young England who are on the upsurge with better planning. The series against the gritty Sri Lankans will also serve as the benchmark for their next Under -19 World Cup here .

Sri Lanka, too possess a penetrative seam attack led by tormentor, Angelo Mathews a bowling all-rounder, supported by Shalika Karunanayake (all-rounder), C .Gunasinghe Liyanapathirana and Charles Fernando. Whoever plays they had to bowl to a line and length. Though under-19 England team is physically strong and has the strength unlike the little Lankans, who will have to match them with grit and determination.

The spinners Serasinghe (off-spin) and Sachit Pathirana (left-arm) the lad from Trinity reaped a rich harvest in school cricket and came into reckoning. He has a long way to go to come on par with crafty left-arm bowlers, like Ajit de Silva and dual purpose Daya Sahabandu (as schoolboys). He is still growing and has much to learn on this tour. The Sri Lankan community here turn out in their numbers to support the team. The likes of Asitha Jayaweera, Dr. M. Sivartnam etc. who are still indulging in cricket as a leisure sport. Sarath Abeysundera and Dr. Daya Panditha Gunawardena are doing much to promote the country's image.

The Shenley cricket Ground, is the home of old Thomian Lanka Wijesuriya who has played for the Mt. Lavinia school. Shenley has made a name thanks to his personal commitments. Whatever the outcome Sri Lanka are determined to give off their best.

The team will be picked from (from) Angelo Mathews (capt.), Sameera Soysa, Dimitri Siriwardena, S. Serasinghe, Dilhan Cooray, Lahiru Peiris, Prabudu Perera, S. Pathirana, S. Karunanayake, Chathura Herath, C. Gunasinghe, Charles Fernando, Ashan Peiris and N. Liyanapathirana. Second Test - August 9-12 Searaborough Cricket Club (Manchester) Third test - August 15-18 Headingly Leeds.

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