Book on Sri Lanka's cricket heritage

By Bernie Wijesekera

Sri Lanka with a historic cricketing background spanning over 165 years will for the first time will provide the avid fans with a book pertaining to its cricket heritage. This, a brainchild of S.S. Perera better known as 'Chandra' has done immense research and hard work to make it a reality.

Its journey has begun from 1832 to date. Sri Lanka's cricket had a slippery climb to reach the top ultimately climbing the Everest in one day cricket by winning the World Cup in 1996 at the Gadaffi Stadium under Arjuna Ranatunga. Perera had a daunting task of compiling this book which will be a 600-page book similar to the Wisdon Cricket Almanac in England.

A dedicated effort indeed where he has gathered material for over 60 years giving a background to Sri Lanka's efforts to reach the top thanks to the efforts of the past greats who worked with their own men and material be it officials or players. They sweated for the present generation to enjoy its fruits.

This was revealed at a media conference held at the Trans Asia Hotel on Sept. 21, chaired by Tryphon R. Mirando, director Janashakthi. He was associated by the author of the book S.S. Perera, Ramesh Schaffter (the co-ordinator) and Premasara Epasinghe.

Mirando said that Janashakthi was happy to associate with the veteran recorder S.S. Perera to sponsor this book pioneered by an ardent supporter of the game. He has a storehouse of knowledge starting from 1832.

This book is not confined to cricket alone, and there is a human angle and interesting reading for anyone. Janashakthi has done much for the promotion of sport in the country - especially cricket. It gives a historic background starting from G. Vanderspar, W.T. Greswell, A.C. Ahamath, the Kelaarts, the Heyns, legendary B.R. (who was the president of the BCCSL (double international at cricket and hockey), the Saravanamuttus, M. Sathasivam, Sathi Coomaraswamy, the de Sarams, the Gunasekeras, S.S. Jayawickrema, S. Jayasinghe, C.I. Gunasekara, Mike Tissera, Anura Tennakoon, Mahes Rodrigo, Bandula Warnapura, Duleep Mendis, Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva, M. Muralitharan and last but not least Sanath Jayasuriya just to mention a few.

Robert Senanayake, too has a special place in this book when he was at the helm of its affairs for over 20 years.

Undoubtedly it's a unique performance by Perera, Mirando added. Janashakthis is pruned to have joined in this unbroken partnership with Perera to fulfill his life long ambition of making this book a reality.

Perera firstly thanked Chandra Schaffter whom he knew from his school days. "Late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake who inspired me to start with this book in 1994. Unfortunately he passed away. This book is not confined only to the schools in Colombo and the leading clubs alone. Even the rural schools and the clubs in the provinces have a place. My father G.G. Perera himself a leading cricketer and administrator and promoter of the game inspired me from his childhood," he added,

This book is being edited by S. Muttiah, the former Features Editor of the Times of Ceylon and The Sunday Times. Muttiah who worked along with Mrs. Iranganie Serasinghe (nee Meedeniya), Chandra Sittunayake, Francis Ashborne for nearly two decades is an ardent sports promoter.

He wrote a column in The Sunday Times - "Corner Flag" pertaining to sport which was well read. Muttiah now resident in Madras will be here on Sept. 28 for the launching of the book at the Trans Asia Hotel (King Court). There will be a distinguished gathering, sports loving Speaker of the House K.B. Ratnayake, Minister of Sports S.B. Dissanayake, former president of the Cricket Board Lakshman Jayakody, who is now the Minister of Cultural Afairs, Lakshman Kiriella - Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Indian cricket captain Ajith Wadekar and Pakistan Test opener Zaheer Abbas, too will grace the occasion.

The launching ceremony will commence at 7 p.m.

Rugby on the right track

A no nonsense interview with national coach Nimal Lewke

By Ravi Nagahawatte

Scaling over hurdles and objects which came in the form of players pulling out and some unscrupulous individuals trying to sabotage match preparations, the Lankan ruggerites as a team withstood all currents to emerge winners in their Tests against China and the Northern Territories.

Did they - the players who pulled out-forget what patriotism is or were they misguided youths? The records say that they had personal reasons to make themselves unavailable. Their reasons were accepted.

But one thing was proved. The Lankans had enough replacements and the will to win and perform for the country was displayed in abundance. And with this stupendous effort they underscored yet another true saying: No one is indispensable. Behind these victories stands a' big' man whose no nosense approach when dealing with players which has paid off well. This soft spoken man with a vision as clear as the blue sky is Nimal Lewke, coach of the national Rugby side.

Lewke saw his players defeating China 34 -20 and 35 -3 in the two Tests. But what really proved inspiring was when the development squad ran out winners 29-24 against China which portrays a bright future for the country's rugby. The Lankans also retained the Sri Lanka Rugby Union's President's Trophy when they successfully beat the Australian Northern Territories 15-0 and 31-12 in two Tests played later on.

Excerpts from Lewke interview.

Question - How do you see our progress in the sport?

Answer - I think the side did very well within a limited time limit and a cramped up program. We won all matches through our forwards. I think we have improved tremendously in this department. If we play like this against the Asian countries we can knock the daylights out of our opponents. The Australians said that the present side was not the same which they played against two years ago. Most of our players impressed Asians . Suranga Amarasinghe played so well that he even got an offer for a scholarship from the Australians. However I must say that we are looking for more players who could fit into the three quarter line.

The replacements were equally good or better. Some of these players did not find regular places in their own clubs but did well for the country. If you make use of these players they are as good as anybody. No one is indispensable. Even the coach. In a few years time someone else will be there as national rugby coach.

Asoka Jayasena fitted well in his role as captain and got along well with the players. The coach and players must apply themselves to achieve success. It happened this time.

Another thing I must add here is the attitude of the players. They were committed. They wanted to win. Take the Isipatana rugger team as an example. Why do they win all the time. They are so committed. Looking at our victories it was visible that the feeling towards the country was there.

I have had a vision since I got my first appintment as a coach in 1990 through the backing of Gamini Fernando. I do not intend to stay long as national coach. I am a police officer and I have a lot of commitment towards my job. I just want to put rugby in the right track. For this I am getting the blessing of the rugby uion as well.

Question - What is your next goal?.

I want the national side to win the Quadrangular Tournament which is to be staged in Malaysia from October 2-10.

The next is the ASIAD and we need to beat Sigapore and qualify our- selves to enter group A where Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan are grouped.

We have a Test aginst Taipei. And we need to close the gap in points when palying between Japan and Korea. And I need a little time as I just took over.

I have informed the union and selectors that I need a Sevens pool to be formed right after the Quadrangular tournament. This pool should go in to training from November till Ocotber next year.

Players need to play two games in the morning and two in the evening as part of their practise session. This is how to prepare for an international sevens tournament. With a lot of effort we can get somewhere there in sevens rugby.

And I have asked for the assistance of the ministry regarding medicine and treatment for players.

A sponsor needs to come in at this stage and give financial assistance to the players.

Question - Many rugby enthusiasts have requested the services of a foreign coach. What can you say about this?

It is a good thing to get the services of a foreign coach. But he should function as an assistant. The main coach should be a Sri Lankan because a local is the best person who will know what's best for the locals.

Question - Could you explain the role played by CR and FC's coach Tulaga Tawita in the Sri Lankan team.

I will have to tell you something else. We needed an assistant coach and developement officer so we had New Zealander and Army coach Calwin Farington in mind. But he was not available. Mean- while Tawita has a problem with his visa and needed to stay in Sri Lanka longer. He had to find some sort of commitment here to have his visa extended. So he had asked the SLRFU president Anton Benedict whether he could be accommodated as the country's assistant coach, Benedict asked me and I did not object. He is nice chap and helped a lot in the team's success. Coaching is not a one man show. I believe in a 'team' even when coaching.

Question- Many experienced players stayed out from the recently concluded Test. Is there any ill feeling towards them? Can they come back to the national side?

Answer - I must clearly state that I have nothing against any player, If I see something wrong I say it to the face. Some people don't like this.

Yes anyone of these players can come back to the side and represent the country. And why not?.

It's a beautiful venue - Steve Bernard

By Bernie Wijesekera

The Colombo Cricket Club, one of the finest venues I've seen, said Aussie manager Steve Bernard, when interviewed by The Sunday Times after the three-day match against the Board President's XI staged here. The Aussies won this tie handsomely.

Bernard said it was a good three-day pitch with a little bit of grass on it unlike in the other venues seen here.

It was ideal for both batting and bowling, he added. There was some bounce in it, where pacemen on either side made good of.

The batsmen too had an opportunity of playing their shots whilst adjusting their mode of play.

The century-old ground had a panoramic view and was well maintained and the players really enjoyed playing here despite few intermittent showers.

Three surviving players from the old brigade - skipper Steve Waugh (though sidelined due to a nasal fracture) was a keen spectator, watching his teammates tuning up well whilst Ian Healy and Mark Waugh, too commended the pitch and the beautiful ground. In the past, two test matches were played against Pakistan and New Zealan. Bernard further complimented the curator, Kumar Boralessa and the ground, its secretary Shammi Silva for a job well done. The players really enjoyed on and off the field for this three-day encounter.

Pleasant sight

After the match it was a pleasant sight to see the Aussie team enjoying the hospitality afforded to them by the hierarchy of the Gymkhana Club headed by its chairman Sunil Peiris, with a few pints of beer. Indulging in a friendly chat, all what happened on the field and the final outcome was forgotten and camaraderie prevailed. This is what cricket is all about. The Aussies proved this in abundance. Pity that the young Board XI players, were not there to enjoy this fellowship - short but a sweet get-together.

There is more cricket off the field than on the field. Just packing the bags and sulking over the outcome and going home, it isn't cricket!

This is something that must be inculcated at the junior level by the coaches and the masters in-charge. In the past it did happen. It's never too late. The Lanka Board XI went down meekly not due to a fiery track, but due to loose batting and lacked application and concentration.

Kumar Boralessa, who has been in the trade for over 25 years, has the expertise in the preparation of the CCC square. Kumar told The Sunday Times that this was not the first time that they kept a little grass on it. This has been a regular feature. Put aside the Aussie bowlers Scott Muller and Fleming the local bowlers headed by R. Pushpakumara, Suresh Perera, Indika Gallage too excelled. It's no point preparing slow pitches. Local batsmen must learn to play on a pitch where there is little bounce and lift, he added.

With some re-development CCC, should be an ideal venue for a test match. The Cricket Board hierarchy should stage more international matches at this venue. That should be encouraged along with the 'P. Sara Stadium.

Lancashire pays a tribute to Muttiah Muralitharan

By Marlon Fenandupulle

Lancashire's cricket secretary David Edmunson has paid a glowing tribute to Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for his contribution to his country this season, which helped Lancashire to play in the first division next year.

Muralitharan who captured 66 wickets in his seven games for the country on his debut was contracted for next year after a lot of speculation that Shane Warne or Shoaib Akktar will replace the spinner, as the overseas player.

In Wisden's Cricket Monthly the Lancashire Cricket Secretary David Edmundson explains: "There was never any doubt about wanting Murali. His contribution has been immense, and our hesitation simply reflected the need to establish his availability to play a significant number of games for us between International Commitments".

"The feedback we got from the other players after he took 14 wickets against Warwickshire and Essex simply couldn't have been more positive.

"Wicket keeper Warren Hegg who has the best view from the ground told me, we've absolutely got to sign this bloke for next season. He's a genius".

Neil Fairbrother looking on from first slip agreed: "I ' ve been watching and admiring one of the most amazing bowlers I have ever seen. Murali has been a revelation. I batted against him a fair bit in Australia last winter so I already new he was something special. But even I wasn't prepared for how good he's been with us. Being able to watch him for a whole day at close quarters has been an education".

According to the Lancashire Cricket Secretary Edmunson, Muralitharan has fitted in very well with the other players because he has made himself very popular among them. "He is an uncomplicated and obliging chap and that was another important consideration when we offered him two more years." The magazine goes on to say that the Sri Lankan off spinner also played a part in publicising the lager company sponsoring the country's floodlit games in the national league. He appeared on the front page of the Manchester Evening News attired in Bavarian costume - lederhosen, knee socks, plumed hat ect.

Letters to sports Editor

Our first Test Match victory over the Aussies

Being our first Test win over Australia it was a historic victory. But it certainly was far from being a famous victory. As an avid cricket watcher I would like to make my comments on this match. It was almost a pyrrhic victory. The Sri Lankans lost a golden chance to dominate the tough Australians and clearly showed a lack of test match temperament. The way that Sanath and Marvan walked to the crease showed that they wanted to finish the match in a few overs. They had apparently not learnt a lesson from the defeat we suffered a few years back from the Aussies when an easy victory was turned into a disgraceful defeat. As one of the cricket writers so appropriately described the event "we snatched defeat from the jaws of victory". Except for Aravinda de Silva, most of the other batsmen in the match concluded on 11.09.99 seemed to be in a mighty hurry perhaps to finish off the match early, while there were still two and half days left for play. They little realised that they were playing against a great fighting team. If only Australia had a lead of over 150 runs, we would undoubtedly have lost the match. The way we played, I think Mahela has been over burdened with the vice captaincy while still so young in years and in international match experience. The vice captaincy probably weighed heavy on his young shoulders which may be the only explanation for his making the same mistake twice in hitting out on the onside.

One wonders whether Australia had exhausted its allowed quota of luck (or Pooruwe Ping to use a local term) after it snatched the "World Cup" off the hands of the South Africans. To me it looks as if that is the only explanation for their subsequent run of bad luck. When I saw the nasty accident involving Steve Waugh and Jason Gillespie it reminded me about a village green match described in one of the books of the famous cricket writer Neville Cardus. Relying on my fading memory the story was about an English village cricket match where the Squire was the captain of the fielding side. Being the Squire he was a highly respected man and his word was law on or off the field. He had a reliable fielder in Thompson, the village constable. While the match was in progress one of the batsmen hit a ball high in the air just as our own Mahela Jayawardena did. The Squire, a strict disciplinarian saw several fielders other than Thompson running to take the catch. "Leave it to Thompson" shouted the Squire "It is Thompson' s catch". The fielders who rushed to collect the catch stopped in their tracks reverently obeying the Squire's orders. And the ball fell harmlessly to earth. Thompson was not playing that day.

But Steve Waugh did not have the presence of mind of the village Squire. If only he shouted "It is my catch - Leave it to me" the nasty accident would certainly not have occurred. But judging from what we saw on T.V. the ball would still have fallen harmlessly to earth, for it was beyond the reach of a leaping Australian Kangaroo.-

-W.M. Vimal de Silva, Nugegoda

Lucky Warne

The score book and the newspapers show that he took four wickets in the 1999 World Cup Final against Pakistan.

Television replays provide an interesting dimension. One of the wickets was taken off a delivery, which was clearly shown to be a no ball. But it was not called as a no ball by the umpire.

Another wicket was taken through a delivery that hit the batsman's pads in front of the stumps. The TV replay however showed that the ball was turning a great deal. Therefore it would undoubtedly have missed the stumps.

He took a third wicket from a suspect caught decision. The television replay cast very great doubt on whether the delivery had touched the bat. The ball was curving a great deal. The umpire obviously assumed from the deviation of the ball, from near the bat, that it had touched the bat. In fact most probably it had not touched the bat.

Shane Warne gets many questionable favourable decisions in his favour because of his great skills and the prodigious turn he puts on the ball.

The Umpires do not seem to take into account the turn he puts on the ball. If they did, he would take less wickets. Umpires are supposed to give the batsmen the benefit of the doubt.

Shane Warne spins, turns and cuts the ball very sharply. A ball may pitch in line as the LBW rule requires, hit the batsman's pads in front of the stumps as the rule requires, but turning sharply away from the stumps. The rule requires that the ball must be likely to hit the stumps. Warne turns the ball very sharply. Therefore deliveries which hit the pads in front of the stumps, are unlikely to hit the stumps. Warne is different from other bowlers. The evidence is that umpires do not take account of this.

If the turn Warne imparts is taken in to account, a ball must pitch outside of the line of the stumps for it to hit the stumps. A ball which hits the pads which are not covering the stumps is also likely to hit the stumps. But in these circumstances, he cannot get a LBW decision.

Where the ball is not turning Warne is entitled to LBW decisions. But where it is turning sharply, umpires often make the wrong decision. He benefits.

It seems clear from watching a number of TV replays that umpires do not take adequate account of the prodigious turn that Warne imparts to the ball.

This prodigious turn which Warne imparts on the ball also helps him in another way. It enables him to obtain decision of caught in his favour, when the ball has not touched the batsman's bat.

The prodigious turn makes it look as if the ball has deviated after touching the bat. The reality in some cases is that hit has deviated because of the turn. It has not touched the bat.

Umpires should give the benefit of the doubt, to a batsman. A batsman in not out, unless he is clearly out. The out (guilty in law) decision should not be given unless it is clear that he is out. If there is a reasonable doubt as in law, the batsman must remain, being deemed not out (not guilty in law)

Warne also has cultivated to a fine art the ability to pressurise umpires. When he appeals, it is a long drawn cut appeal. From close to the umpire he seems to plead and say "this has to be out". If the umpire gives a negative reply, Warne shows his anguish, disapproval or disgust.

He pressures eyeballing the umpire from a position very close to him. He has a short run up. He therefore ends his run close to the umpire. He appeals from that position. Most bowler's have a run up which take them down the pitch. Therefore they will not appeal from close to the umpire. A fast bowler in his follow through ends up some distance down the pitch. A wicket keeper, slips and other fielders appeal from further away.

- Dr Mark Cooray,Australia.

Colombo North Veterans champs

The 2nd Annual Veterans Soccer Tournament conducted by the Soccer Veterans Association of Sri Lanka completed an absorbing and interesting competition amongst the vintage players in two age groups, namely, 40/50 and 50/60 years at the CMC Grounds with the Mayor of Colombo, His Worship Omar Kamil as Chief Guest at the ceremonial opening. He thanked the organizers for a very colourful display with beaming mass of 'silver haired' players in soccer kits of various hue.

Sixteen teams took the field and having had a battle on their hands, yet with great skill and dexterity, reflected what they once were, some had to bow out at the end. Police, Old Joes, Old Bens, Chilaw, Saunders were a trifle unfortunate to be on the losing sides.

In a hard fought final the Colombo North annexed the 40/50 age group trophy, while Colombo East was runner-up. The 'Golden' oldies in the 50/60 years won the trophy pushing once again Colombo East to be content with the runner-up berth. It indeed brought nostalgic memories of soccer's glorious past when one saw Lionel Pieris, Piyadasa Perera, Edward Wickrmasuriya, Mathananda, Yoga Cruze, Hallideen, Sunil Perera, Sumith Walpola, Clement De Silva to name a few, who strode into the field yet looking fit and in fine fettle. In the cool and comfort of the pavilion were a large mass of soccer veterans of still a rare old era, watching and chatting on the game they served and sacrificed so much. Drinks and a sumptuous lunch to all those present organized by the Soccer Veterans Association brought the soccer fraternity still closer.

P.N. Nandadasa, Chairman Flexport, who donated all these glittering trophies was the Chief Guest and distributed the prizes. Colombo North won the age group 40/50 trophy while Colombo East won the runner-up berth. In the age group 50/60 Colombo Central won the trophy while once again Colombo East was content being the runner-up. Apart from specially carved out trophies for the best player and best goal keeper, cash presentations were also made. The finale was the social that followed which went into the late night, and which made the competition a much looked event for years to come. P.H.S. Albert, Chandradasa Perera, M.F. Ramlan, J.M. Ayub and headed by Piyadasa Perera assisted by a host of members saw yet another day for veterans to reminisce and rejoice. In the words of His Worship the Mayor at the opening of this event, "I am pleased to be present at this most colourful display, and as in the previous year the Colombo Municipal Council will be associated with this competition in the years to come".

Minson to defend sailing regatta

Alan Minson will defend the Qantas Sailing Regatta which is to be sailed today at the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club at the Bolgoda Lake.

Minson in his laser dinghy crossed the finishing line first and was declared the winner after boat and personal handicaps were calculated.

The Qantas Sailing Regatta is an annual event and the challenge cup was presented to the Ceylon Motor Yacht Club more than 25 years ago.

The regatta is a single fleet race for GP 14, Enterprises, Lasers and Water Wags, boat handicap and personal handicap will apply in this regatta.

A laser is single handed sailed but in this particular regatta single handed sailing is also allowed in other classes where it is permitted in the class rules.

More that 20 boats are expected to sail this race which will start at 11 am.

The chief guest will be Mrs. Michele Perera, Country Manager, Qantas Airways Sri Lanka.

The officer of the day to conduct the race will be immediate past Commodore of the CMYC and President of the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka Joseph Kenny.

A optmist race for boys and girls from 6 to 14 years will be held at 2 pm for the first time in this championships.

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