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Countdown
to the World Cup 2003
Their million became more interested in the shorter version of the game. India and Pakistan managed to overcome their internal political problems and managed to organise a successful World Cup. The profits of the tournament were 2 million British pounds. The format changed from 60 overs per side to 50 overs. The matches started early as 9.00 a.m. since the daylight was less time. India and Pakistan finished top in their group while England and Australia were placed second. So everyone wanted an Asian Final since Pakistan were facing Australia in the 1st semi-final and the second was contested between India and England. Even before the semi-finals were played the tickets for the final at Eden Gardens - Calcutta were sold out expecting an India and Pakistan final. In 2 dramatic semi-finals unexpected things happen both the Asian countries were knocked out and it was an Australia versus England final at Calcutta in front of crowd of 90,000. Allan Border captained Australians and England skipper was Mike Gatting. So it was 8th November 1987 the venue Eden gardens in Calcutta the crowd watched a cracking game of cricket where the Australians beat the Englishmen by a mere 7 runs thus maintaining the World Cup record by batting first and winning the match. In all previous World Cup finals the team batting first have won the match. Batting first Australia scored 253/5 in 50 overs with David Boon scored 75 in reply England could manage only 246/8. England was on the verge of victory being at 153/2 in 31 overs. It was Mike Gatting who played an ambitious reverse stroke to his opposite number Allan Border and was bowled. When England began their innings Tim Robinson was out 1st ball to Craig McDermott. Bill Athey scored 58 before being run-out by Steve Waugh; Allan Lamb scored a quick fire 35. Mohan
may take the
Sri Lankan rugby hit a new low in the year 2002 in the Asian region. Even newcomers China, too has got the better of the Lankans. Despite much song and dance the popular sport has hit a low ebb in recent times. Today the game has spread its wings far and wide here, unlike in the past, when it was confined to a few schools in Colombo and in the Hill Capital. The district development committee is striving to take the game to the rural schools through sponsorship packages afforded to them. But they are short of development plans or encouragement for new clubs to give youth the chance to play after leaving so that they could keep on playing rugby. This is a priority that 'Bala' should look into if he is given the mandate to run its affairs. A gutsy player during his time, he has given his heart out for the sport when he scrummed down. He has the ability to administer which he did well be it for the Airmen and for the Longdon Place Club. He works hard be it on and off the field and maintains the true traditions of this beautiful sport. 'Keep-fit' Bala is still fit to play. Mohan has been a player, referee and coach. 'No-nonsense' Mohan has the ability to get the support from those who could contribute to uplift the sport from whatever corner. He needs a committee that will co-ordinate and help the game with a concerted team effort. Even the players have to be totally committed and should not indulge only in social rugby. A
year to look forward to The MCG is a pitch that offers bounce and movement to the quicker bowlers. Runs were hard to get as the Aussies found out. It was a vast improvement in that the Sri Lankans did not loosen the grip and capitalized on picking up regular wickets to restrict the opponents to a getable score. Marvan Atapattu was the most successful batsman in South Africa and now in Australia too. Russel Arnold too has been in the runs in the one day games played in both countries. Atapattu is technically very sound and knows to play within his strengths and limitations. Arnold is also sound in technique, though having a weakness in directing the ball into the slips cordon when playing in the longer version of the game. Mahela Jayawardena has looked good, as always, but has not delivered as much. It is quite clear that the technically sound batsman will survive in all conditions once they adapt themselves. This trio together with Kumar Sangakkara have to make the big scores this year for Sri Lanka to be competitive. Sangakkara is going through a horror patch at present. He is too good a player and strong mentally to let that weigh him down. It should be a matter of time before he bounces back. All focus will be on the World Cup in February/March. Not many people are putting their money on Sri Lanka at this stage. Australia are way ahead of the pack at this stage with hosts South Africa following. The form of the other teams who can contend have been up and down. That is what the Sri Lankans have in mind. They should bring their game to a level where each player is performing at best. Then it will be a situation of who performs better on the day. New Zealand, Pakistan and England are scheduled to tour the island during the year for tests and one dayers. Sri Lanka goes away to the West Indies for the same. Sharjah beckons twice in April and October. Plenty of cricket. The players have the opportunity to benefit from their experiences in South Africa and Australia which when completed will be a four month stint. Never has a national team been put to the test in this fashion. To date they have stuttered and stumbled. Can they turn it around in the next two months? There are bound to be changes in players and management thereafter. It is inevitable these days that at the culmination of a World Cup such changes will take place. What must be remembered is that change should be made for betterment, not simply for the sake of doing so. |
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