Sports

The wrath of Sri Lankan cricket didn’t simply rain on England but poured in buckets, to confuse and destroy them in the one day version of the game. When Sri Lanka embarked on this tour some two months ago no cricket fan would have dreamt that the side would return with the test series level at 1 – 1 and the ODI series comprehensively won 5-0.

That is now reality. What an amazing turnaround it has been. It underlines one fact – that talent for this game abounds in this land. There is no shortage of talent, it has been flowing since much, much before the country was engaged in official international cricket and still continues to do so. What is required is to mature that talent and divert it along the required path and do it with haste. For the moment, it is time to celebrate. Maybe the chaos, the tension, the uncertainties, the problems, that the nation is experiencing, puts cricket into the bottom drawer. But let us remember that Mahela Jayawardena, the team, the management staff and all others involved have brought honour to the nation.

From a cricketing point of view the main reason for celebration, is that the team succeeded during the early and mid part of the English summer, always considered a difficult time for visiting teams to get acclimatized and perform to their best ability. Without too much fuss the Sri Lankans got about their business. After all, too much was not expected of them, pitted against the Ashes conquering English giants.

It was a tour that served many purposes for the Sri Lankans. Muttiah Muralitharan proved he was still a potent force in the longer game. Given just that much of assistance from the pitch, he was devastating. Once he smells success he hounds the batsmen until the latter trudge back to the pavilion. This success should spur him on to continue plundering wickets in the test arena. Three opening batsmen came good. In top spot is young Upul Tharanga who has grabbed this opportunity. His technique is getting solid with each outing and with it the confidence is growing. Sanath Jayasuriya smashed the ball around like the days of old. What entertainment he provided and proved to all that he still has more to offer. Michael Van Dort notched-up a stylish century. He could fit into the anchor role in the longer game, provided his defense remains tight consistently. Let us not forget Marvan Atapattu! It is believed that he will be putting his back to test in a few weeks time. A real healthy situation indeed.

Lasith Malinga continued to surprise. He is progressing rapidly, but needs support. Dilhara Fernando and Ruchira Perera need to be given a shunt, maybe by the pace bowling coach. Should one of them fire regularly, then, together with the experience of Chaminda Vaas, the pace attack too will be complete. The other younger players too revelled on the occasions they were given the opportunity. Farvez Mahroof, Malinga Bandara and Chamara Kapugedara, have it in them to succeed at the highest level. Hours of practice developing technique and skills should be their one aim right now.