Test cricket should generate more excitement, says Steve
By Bernie Wijesekera
Lot of good cricket is being played around the world. There should be at least five or six sides among them to make it more competitive than confine to one or two teams, said Steve Bernard Manager of the Australian cricket team in an interview with The Sunday Times.

Q:What is the remedy to have more competitive cricket?
A: No point one side dominating the game. More teams must develop, for the common good and for the love of cricket. The game has to prosper worldwide. This will generate more excitement. The match between Pakistan (host nation) played at the 'Sara' Stadium, is a good example. Both teams were fighting a relentless battle with fortunes swinging pendulumwise. The talented young Pakistani team played pretty well despite under pressure. They fought back well. That's how a Test match should be played.

Q: What are your observations about the pitches here in Sri Lanka?
A:The SSC pitch is good. The track at Police grounds is good for a practice game. The wicket at the 'Sara' Stadium, an excellent pitch, gives even opportunities for both batting and bowling. Ideal for a Test match and also for a One-day game, too. One must be able to play on fast pitches and as well as on slow tracks.

Q: The next two Test matches between Australia and Pakistan will be played in Sharjah, any comments?
A: Pakistan are hosting and we are prepared to play anywhere.

Q: What do you think about Shoaib Akthar's second spell burst?
A: He bowled with plenty of fire and has shown marked improvement with a better rhythm. This comes through experience. Pakistan after being led by a big margin has done well. It's good for the game. I repeat, there should be development among five to six nations to make it more competitive rather than confining to one or two nations. This Test match between Australia and Pakistan produced fascinating cricket for all to enjoy to the end.

That's what Test cricket is all about. The young Pakistani team must be commended for their effort. They gave a good run. It's good for the game. The Aussies were made to fight hard to win the first Test.

The pitch at the "Sara" Stadium contributed much for it, rather than playing on slow turning pitches which will not help the game and for its further development. No doubt Sri Lanka is a good team. They could be one of the main contenders for next year's WC in S. Africa. On a given day any team could turn tables in a One-day game.

Q: What is the remedy to overcome this malady?
A: The Lankan batsmen must learn to play on fast pitches even in their own backyard. They have two lead up tours before the WC next year, to adjust themselves.
The forthcoming tour to S. Africa, followed by the triangular series between Australia and England Down Under. Both tours on hard tracks against volatile bowling.

Q: What was the winning formula behind Australia in the WC final against Pakistan, in England, in 1999?
A: It was 100 percent commitment, and planning ahead. We will be picking the squad for next year's WC by the end of December.

Q: Any comment about your Academy and at present who is handling?
A: Most of the Test players go through the Academy. They are afforded with all facilities be it batting, bowling, fielding and conditioning. Besides they are given opportunities to study, too. Discipline and to conduct themselves on and off the field.
There is more cricket off the field. The present director is former Queensland coach - Bennett King.

Q: What about Rod Marsh?
A: He has taken over the English Academy. We must help each other. English cricket is fast improving. As I mentioned earlier cricket must prosper worldwide. It's very important that there should be liaison and build friendship among the players and the management.

At the recent ICC Champions trophy tournament - the respective managers had friendly discussions and understand problems confronting them and bridge friendly relationship for a better future, "Common Love" Bernard said. I've made four visits to this beautiful country and he has enjoyed to the fullest whilst meeting friendly people.

Steve is understanding and patience to handle any problem, be it team or otherwise. He is in the mould of former manager of the Aussie team of 1992 led by Alan Border, and managed by Dr. Cam Battersby, a charming personality.

Australia beat Sri Lanka by 15 runs on a cliff-hanger at the SSC. It was in that Test that Shane Warne blossomed out to be a crafty leg-spinner. Sri Lanka was cruising well chasing 181 for victory - 131 for 3, with Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva at the middle. Both dismissed in two successive overs caught in the identical position (mid on by Border) bowled Warne to make it a memorable Test.

Navin wins Mercedes Internationl Trophy
Off The Tee with Tita Nathanielsz
"The Mercedes World Golf Competition recently concluced in Stuttgart, Germany was an outstanding and most memorable success" says Airbus Navin de Silva who has just returned after an outstanding performance which gave him first position in the "B" Division Contest.

In Aussie
Earlier De Silva was chosen to represent Sri Lanka with 5 others to compete on the Sanctuary Cove Course in Queensland. He came 2nd beaten by a slender margin and qualifed. The 5 others fell by the wayside.

In Stuttgart
50 countries participated and in the first round 40,000 golfers participated in very many sectors of different locations. In the finals in Stuttgart 120 played on three different posh world class courses.

De Silva was placed in the East Asia team event comprising Singpaore, Brunei & Sri Lanka. De Silva's first round 37 points was comforting, he slipped in the 2nd round due to indifferent putting to collect only 35 points and in the final round his stunning almost blemish free performance of 40 points took his team far past the strong contender South America. The East Asia Team led by Capt. Navin de Silva won the title comfortably with De Silva recording the best score.

Friends Join
Rohan Fernando and Nimal Wettimuny who are airbus Silva's inspearable friends did the unbelievable by flying to Stuttgart at their own expense to make the 2-man cheering squad.

They carried the Sri Lankan flag, walked the different courses on 3 consecutive days, waved like thunder, cheered like hell and came back with their pal and his prestigious Trophy. The popular duo stayed in the same hotel, were honoured guests at all the parties and surprising they were obliged with Egg Hopers and Kottu Rotti for breakfast on the final day. Capt. Airbus Navin de Silva's party in Colombo is scheduled for this week.

Tendulkar makes history
By Shamseer Jaleel
Sachin Tendulkar became the first batsman ever in test history to get out by a Television umpire on November 14, 1992. This incident happened in Durban, South Africa where umpire Cyril Mitchley created history by seeking the help of television replays to decide a close run-out appeal against Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar on the 2nd day of the test match.

Unable to decide whether Sachin had made his ground when a Jonty Rhodes throw forced the batsman to scramble back. Mitchley sought the help from his colleague and TV umpire Karl Liebenberg.

He found Sachin was well short of his crease and informed by the light signal that he was out. This was the first time an umpire sought the assistance of replays to give a decision in accordance with an experiment tried out by International Cricket Council (ICC) on Run-outs, Stumping, Hit-wicket decisions.

In the olden days when cricket was truly a gentleman's game the umpire's decision - right or wrong was accepted by the players. When a wrong decision was given maximum a player will do is long look. But these days the players question most of the umpires decisions in a very aggressive manner.

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