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| Making the best of the opportunities |
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There were phrases used in the batting department of the game that are not often used or heard of today. Build an innings, watch the bowlers wrist, defend when in doubt, do not pre meditate, play each ball on its merits, pace your innings, never run on a misfield, are some that come to mind immediately. “Score runs anyway you can”, although not coined by anyone, seems to be the way most batsmen seem to go, starting from the junior game groups.
Perhaps it is an issue with all cricketing nations. It must be remembered that the journey is what is important and not the end. When the Sri Lankan batsmen faltered during the recent test and ODI series they were not focusing on the journey.
To almost every batsman there are three important factors to take into consideration when playing a stroke. I say, “Almost every batsman”, because to the geniuses like Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Ricky Ponting or Virendra Sehwag on his day, these factors may not apply. These have been proven for years and years through the experiences of generations of players.
The first factor is to consider who is bowling at you and how good he is. You cannot face every bowler in the same way. Study his variations and play each ball according to its merit. Secondly consider the state of the pitch. Each pitch you play on behaves differently. Adjust your technique and approach to suit the condition of the pitch. Thirdly play according to the state of the game. The opening batsmen are expected to provide a solid foundation. From there on every batsman walks into a situation is expected to play accordingly. That indicates the teams’ position. You are expected to play for the team and not let the team down.
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| At present Warnapura has his nose in front with test centuries against the West Indies and India |
Even before being given Test status Sri Lanka boasted of producing batsmen to match those playing for the big nations. Over the years the bowling has improved. From a couple of very good bowlers in a side, Sri Lanka now can boast of a crop of outstanding pace and spin bowlers. It is the batting that is looking suspect. Many names can be thrown into the hat, but the manner in which they play on the day, according to the needs of the team is what matters. Particularly when the pitch and the bowling is difficult.
The team has Sanath Jayasuriya to provide explosive starts in the ODIs. Obviously he would like to play as long as he can contribute. No player with his achievements would want to simply make up the numbers. At present Michael Van Dort and Malinda Warnapura open in the test matches. Warnapura has had a couple of games in the ODIs too. Upul Tharanga who had such a promising start to his career is now batting it out in South Africa with the ‘A’ team making an effort to come back. At present Warnapura has his nose in front with test centuries against the West Indies and India. Mahela Udawatte is the other opener tried. He also batted at number three. He has looked useful at the top order, but may need a couple more years to mature. He has time on his side. It is up to these players to put their hands up and grab the opportunity.
The main problem is in the middle order. Much now depends on Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena. They have both done wonderfully well over the years. They cannot be called on to deliver all the time. The next who were handed the responsibility were Chamara Kapugedara, T.M. Dilshan and Chamara Silva. Kapugedara no doubt is a player for the future, but he must absorb the three factors required to score runs consistently. Dilshan and Silva are into the second halves of their careers. They have been given many opportunities. It is time they accepted the responsibility and score regularly.
Jehan Mubarak played probably his best international innings, in the final ODI against India. One swallow doesn’t make a summer it is said. He has to keep making runs when the opportunity arises. It is also time to look at players making runs in the ‘A’ side.
With tours to Zimbabwe and Bangladesh coming it should be the time to experiment. However, a weak opposition does not provide all the answers. Nevertheless, it is the setting for individuals to make a claim and cement positions.
Ranil Abeynaike is a former Sri Lanka cricketer and curator of SSC |
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