Sri Lanka had won the Asia Cup 5 times and had been Runners-up 6 times. This was the 14th time it was held since 1984, after the Asian Cricket Council was formed. In relation, the manner in which we lost to Bangladesh and minnows of cricket Afghanistan is catastrophic. In reply to Afghanistan’s total, we [...]

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Segments to revamp after Asia Cup calamity

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Sri Lanka had won the Asia Cup 5 times and had been Runners-up 6 times. This was the 14th time it was held since 1984, after the Asian Cricket Council was formed. In relation, the manner in which we lost to Bangladesh and minnows of cricket Afghanistan is catastrophic.

In reply to Afghanistan’s total, we crumpled, losing by 91 runs. Kusal Mendis was out 2nd ball, trapped lbw by a drifting delivery, his second duck in 2 days.

Although at times, Sri Lanka threatened to procure partnerships, the batsmen somehow found ways to self-destruct. There were two silly run-outs in the innings, numerous bizarre and fatal shot choices, an overall theme of inadequacy and chaos to the innings. Sloppy ground fielding was the other factor. Our team was the first team to crash out from the Super 4 Stage.

Gazing into the contemporary cricket catastrophe, it has been comparable to abundant features. It is virtually 4 decades since we were admitted to the elite congregation conquering “Test Status” in 1981. By winning the “Plum of Cricket”, the “Wills World Cup” in 1996. The name of Sri Lanka was etched in gold on the world map. However, our cricket in Sri Lanka, particularly, the shorter formats, have been trembling. revolting and sprawling in direction, in recent years. Thus declining in set standards.

Notwithstanding the above tragedy, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will have to submit our squad of 14 players to ICC, before the deadline on February 9, 2019, prior to the ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

In the foregoing situation, remedial resolutions are desired. As the next ICC World Cup is nearing, the SLC should be equipped to meet the obvious challenges.

The selectors, coaches and related authorities of the SLC need to take a prominent part in these preparations. All passionate cricket guilds in overseas countries as well, are all optimistic about performing well, despite being low in the ICC rankings. Hence, the best all-round squad needs to be selected, not giving partiality even to seniors not performing. All fans and administrators are aware that, in recent ODIs, we had failed to avail of the full quota of 50 overs, which is appalling, and has to be remedied by the related coach. Our tail has been fragile, not long enough to wag, unlike how we performed in decades of 1980 and 1990, with a dependable top and middle order.

The squad should comprise mainly of players who are typically consistent all-rounders. Up to number 11, all should be able to bat to accumulate runs. The bowling has been mediocre, not consistent, lacking penetration.The fielding should not be sloppy. The aim of the bowlers should be primarily to take wickets, if not to contain the batsmen. Above all, the potential players should be skilled, need to be fully fit to go through a gruelling tournament, if we qualify. They should be able to withstand the pressure of such a competitive tournament, playing against tougher opponents, without succumbing.

Taking all these realities into consideration, SLC authorities should organise a series of ODI matches to select the probables, to enable the selectors select the squad without much dilemma, taking into deliberation the performances in the domestic circle too. It is imperative that those who perform will be selected at the expense of even senior players.There is obviously an abundance of talent not having exposure to the big stage, whose inclusion should be a good perspective.

Another area that needs to be exploited is to find new talent from North and East. There are several young talents performing admirably. They should be selected to play as probables in training ODI matches. It is not too late to choose some of them to perform at National level, who would be foreign to opponents.

The followers of this astonishing game would have, in nostalgia, many blunders our national selectors have made during the precedent. They have not persisted with many players who had not done much wrong. The selectors should not tag players as 1-Day and Test specialists. Many Test players have lamented on this issue, regretting for not being given the opportunity to play in ODI’s. In the context of the above, the SLC should revamp eliminating all preceding mistakes made in preparation for the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales, if we are to make any impact.

SunilThenabadu via e mail sthenabadu@hotmail.com in Brisbane.

 

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