Lankans upbeat in spite of inclement weather
Though the inclement experienced during the past few days, Lankan cricketers have managed to keep to the required work charts intact according to Interim coach Jerome Jayaratne.
Jayaratne said “It started well enough when the training sessions began on September 21 and we had almost a week’s outdoor sessions. However the past few days have been dampeners and outdoor training was not possible.”
Making the maximum use of the opportunity given, both the Lankan squad and the West Indian squad had vigorous sessions at the Max Academy nets at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The West Indies team is preparing for their three-day tour opener against the SLC board president’s XI on October 8 at the SSC grounds.
Having looked at the composition of the three-day squad, one could feel that the selectors are taking some timely prudent steps in exposing young talent. The SLC Board XI reads as: – Lahiru Thirimanne – Captain , Udara Jayasundera, Kusal Mendis, Minod Bhanuka – Wicket-keeper, Milinda Siriwardena, Angelo Jayasinghe, Sachith Pathirana, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Milantha, Lasanda Rukmal, Kasun Madushanka and Sahan Nanayakkara.
Interim Coach Jerome Jayaratne and the Lankan skipper Angelo are engaged in an animated discussion – Picture by Amila Gamage
Lankan coach Jayaratne said that they were very happy that the entire squad is progressing with their work schedules under the training staff and the entire squad is injury free so far. Michael Main who is in charge of strength and conditions along with Steve Mount who is in charge of injuries are of the opinion that the fitness regime of the young squad is well in place and they have made good progress of the work ethic. Commenting on the issue Jayaratne said “We are making good progress in the fitness regime and the progress is every encouraging. I am sure if we could work with this same intensity we would be able to reach the desired level of 100% within the next few months”.
He said the batting department is concentrating on a battery of batsmen like Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva and Lahiru Thirimanne, skipper Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Milinda Siriwardena, young Kaushal Mendis, Jehan Mubarak and Upul Tharanga.
A prayer before the practice session for the West Indian cricketers.
The four seam operators – Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera and Dhammika Prasad are also working on schedule along with the part time swing of skipper Angelo Mathews. In spite of the hiccup about the delivery of the ‘doosra’, which the IC banned P.H.T Kaushal, is very upbeat according to Coach Jerome Jayaratne. He said the lad is hard at work and if he feels that he could take up the challenge he would be a sure inclusion come the first Test at the Galle International Stadium on October 14, provided he gets the nod of approval of the selectors. They also have the ever green services of Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.
The Lankan coach says that he is very optimistic about the work ethics of the young squad and their commitment and the enthusiasm is very encouraging “It is the best ingredient for success” Jayaratne said in conclusion.