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colourful scene despite miry weather I met Mark Anderson who hails from Canterbury (Kent), the county which produced some great cricketers of the likes of Colin Cowdrey, Bob Woolmer, Derek Underwood, Alan Knott. Anderson is making his second trip to Sri Lanka. His first was in year 2001 when the Englishmen won the series 2-1. He came on Nov. 17 - he will be here until the end of Jan. 2004.He said he was here to watch test cricket and nothing else. He added that he has much to learn from Test unlike the flashy stroke-play that the one-day cricket carry. "Cricket (test) has taught me many things in life... to fight back when the chips are down etc. In cricket outcome is not known until the last ball is bowled. I have come on my own. I am a building contractor and this is my second visit here. It's going to be a very interesting test series. But much will depend on the weather. Certainly I prefer to watch the longer version of the game, It's the proper game for all to enjoy than mere pinch hitting." Said Mark Anderson. From here Anderson will go to West Indies. Another group was basking in the sun at the CCC on the second day's play between Sri Lanka 'A' and England. Andrew Cox and Myles Carrpiett (both computer programmers, petite Katey Aylward (an art teacher) and Alison Phillips (Artist manager). They said "We are all here purely on a holiday. It's somewhat humid and sandwiched by rain. We like this summer sport cricket. Lots of things to see - especially in the villages. During our short stint we have visited Nuwara Eliya (a little England), Kandy and Dambulla and we must add the people are very friendly." Katey, the art teacher said "this tour is education-cum-tourism. As a teacher I could teach my students about the Asian Culture. This is a fascinating country with a rich historic and cultural background. Buddhist and Hindu cultural artefacts are amazing, Interesting and informative, stunning beaches. A humbling experience, and I am glad that tourism is picking up again." Then I came across another couple quietly enjoying the sunshine. David Haynes, an electrician and Rosalind Train, a Journalist, both from Burnley, Lancashire, England. The same town where James Anderson lives. He is a member of the England tour party. So is Andrew Flintoff, the exciting allrounder.The happy couple added " The hospitality is excellent. There is tremendous tourist attraction. When we return we will carry the message for others to visit. The likes of Mike Atherton, David Lloyd and Sri Lankan Muralitharan, Wasim Akram all played for Lancashire. David and Rosalind have three girls Keeley Haynes (works in an European airline), Lavra (19) who is a nurse and Rachel (18) a student. "We are going to come here again next time with our children. The beaches in Negombo are fantastic and we could swim in balmy waters. There was a bevy of girls who were attracted by the picturesque century-old Gymkhana Club grounds. A colourful scene indeed despite miry weather. -BW |
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