• 'Dont expect miracles overnight', Sanath

'Dont expect miracles overnight', Sanath

Arjuna, Aravinda assure full support to new captain

By Marlon Fernandopulle

Whenever Sanath Jayasuriya walks out to bat the level of expectation is high.It will be no different when he walks out leading the Sri Lanka team.The opener who brought about a new dimension to the oneday game and turned it on his head, will now have to perform a similar role as captain to resurrect the fortunes of the game of his country.

However Sri Lanka new captain warned saying "Dont expect miracles overnight.I have been entrusted with the job and I will strive to do my best and also get the best from my teammates to put Sri Lanka Cricket back on the correct track".

In an interview with the Sunday Times Jayasuriya dispelled doubts and rumours about the role of former captain Arjuna Ranatunga and vice captain Aravinda De Silva in the team. "I had a long conversation with Arjuna and Aravinda at practices and both players have promised their fullest support to me and the team.Infact I will be counting on their wealth of experience to steer Sri Lanka cricket to greater heights".

Jayasuriya who celebrated his 30th birthday recently admitted that the captaincy came to him as a surprise."I never expected to be named as captain although I knew a change was on the horizon.It's true that I have captained Sri Lanka on previous occasions but I never expected an official appointment of this nature even in my wildest dreams".

Jayasuriya is fortunate to have the services of Sri Lanka's World Cup winning coach Dav Whatmore right from the beginning."Dav is aware of the individual needs of our players and is the best person for the job considering Sri Lanka's current position in the game.I am confident that Dav will be able to sort out the problems we have especially in the batting department soon" he said.

When asked whether he intends to make any changes in the training Jayasuriya replied saying,"Yes I will have to speak to Dav first and maybe think of having shorter and intense sessions as compared to the long sessions". And what about the fitness? "That is an area where we do not have problems.Alex Kontouri is doing a wonderful job and he is certain to continue in the same vein".Kontouri who was recruited following Dav Whatmore's recommendations had his contract extended with the Cricket Board last week.

The following that Sanath Jayasuriya has in this country is enormous.He is easily the most loved and sought after cricketer not only by the general public but also by the media. His simple, unassuming and smiling ways has earned him that tag.But today, he will have to transform those qualities to the tough,gutsy,fighting characteristics of a country's cricket captain and put back Sri Lanka cricket to where it belongs.