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YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE ME. Sanath Jayasuriya takes this fantastic tumbling catch to dismiss Rahul Dravid for 69, of his own bowling. Anuruddha Lokuhappuarachchi was there to freeze the action (Reuter) |
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A power packed century by opener Navjot Sidhu and contrasting half centuries from Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar helped India to a formidable 280 for three wickets against Sri Lanka at the end of the first day in the first Test at the R Premadasa Stadium yesterday.
The visitors who are trying to recover and redeem lost prestige after their Asia cup battering last Saturday took firm control of the game as their batsmen made merry against the Lankan bowlers who toiled hard on a lifeless, slow and low Premadasa wicket.
Watched by a handful of 50-100 spectators compared to last week's 32-35000 wildly cheering crowd, India began sedately before cutting loose in the final session to end the day in a strong position.
Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Navjot Sidhu and Nayan Mongia saw the initial overs through and put on 36 before Mongia was snapped up by debutant Mahela Jayawardene at slips off Ravindra Pushpakumara.
Stylish one drop batsmen Rahul Dravid joined Sidhu and the pair denied the Lankan bowlers of any further success as India went into lunch at 75 for 1.
The pair continued to frustrate the Lankan bowlers in the afternoon session as runs flowed freely. Sidhu mixed caution with aggression as he plundered the limited Lankan attack to score his eighth Test century and his third against Sri Lanka.
The bearded opener who has been in and out of the team, struck two sixes and 13 boundaries before taking a wild swing at Chaminda Vaas enabling Kaluwitharana to hold on to a good catch. Sidhu added 147 with Dravid for the second wicket to pave the way for a sizeable Indian total.
Dravid continued his good form in Tests as he reached his half century in 149 balls. He was dismissed in an unfortunate manner when a powerful square cut rebounded off Marvan Atapattu at silly mid-off, for Jayasuriya to take a tumbling catch off his own bowling.
Sachin Tendulkar continued the onslaught as he unleashed some eloquent strokes on both sides of the wicket.
Tendulkar opened scoring with two boundaries and then continued in the same vein reaching his half century with 10 boundaries.The skipper showed glimpses of his true capabilities as he finished on an unbeaten 65. Incidentally his last seven scoring strokes were all boundaries, which included four in one over, bowled by Vaas with the second new ball. At the crease with Tendulkar is Mohamed Azharuddin on 18.
INDIA N.Mongia c Jayawardena b Pushpakumara 7 (Attempted drive off a half volley, ct. at 3rd slip) N.Sidhu c Kaluwitharna b Vaas 111 (Attempted drive, played away from his body. Ct. by WK) R.Dravid c&b Jayasuriya 69 (Square cut, rebounded off Atapattu at silly mid-off) S.Tendulkar not out 65 M. Azharuddin not out 18 Extras - (NB-10) 10 Total (in 90 overs for 3 wkts) 280 Fall of Wickets: 1-36(Mongia); 2-183 (Sidhu); 3-230 (Dravid). Bowling: C.Vaas 17-5-55-1; R.Pushpakumara 14-1-64-1; M.Jayawardena 2-0-6-0; M.Muralitharan 31-7-79-0; J.Silva 15-0-56-0; S.Jayasuriya 11-2-20-1.
Kandy staved off a late challenge to pull off a 41-32 win over Police in a Carlsberg second round Inter-Club rugby tournament match at the Police Park yesterday.
Police who took a surprising 3-0 lead through a penalty by Nizam Jamaldeen. in the second minute had the lead snatched back by Kandy through a try by wing three quarter Imitie Marikar. However the conversion was missed by Nalaka Weerakoddy to give Kandy a 5-3 lead in the 15th mintue.Ten mintues later Police hit back through a try by Fijian Nai Luv Luv but the conversion was missed by Nizam Jamaldeen to give Police a 10-5 lead. Soon afterwards Police earned a penalty as a result of Imtie Marikar having an argument with referee Dilroy Fernando. The resulting penalty was nearly 45 metres out but Nizam Jamaldeen's kick sailed over the crossbar to give Police a 13-5 lead.
Kandy brought play into Police territory and earned a penalty which was kicked right by Nalaka Weerakoddy to reduce the lead to 13-8.A few minutes into the half time Kandy levelled the scores at 13 all but Kandy once again snatched back the lead in the stroke of half time to give hill capital team a 16-13 lead through penalty by Nalaka Weerakody.
The try of the match was seen soon after the resumption when Kandy's Opethi ran a good 50 metres to score under the posts which was converted by Nalaka Weerakody to give Kandy a 23-13 lead.
The defending Carlsberg trophy champions CR and FC and the Petersons playing open rugby had all Havelock Park aglow last evening. But the red shirts in the end ran over five tries to win by 29 points (two goals and three tries) to 19 (two goals and a try) in their 'A' div. second-leg match.
At the turn around the red shirts led 24-7.
Both back divisions indulged in fast open rugby with the ball changing hands. In this match both teams preferred to run the ball rather than taking spot kicks and it was heart warming to the few fans who were their to witness this game. The Longden Place club had the edge over the black shirted team as they were much fitter and their three quarters masterminded by fly-half Asange Rodrigo, who regularly put the ball in motion with the backs making sweeping moves to dent the Petersons defence.
Further the CR back division mauled and rucked better to outplay their opponents with abundant 'good ball' coming their way in the lineouts through Anslem de Zylwa and former Kandy player, Duminda de Silva, who shared the set pieces.
CR opened scoring in the 9th minute, off a scrum close to the line when their tough Fijian forward Ruslatesaukuru barged over for an unconverted try near the cornerflag.
Then the second try too was close to the line off a scrum, where scrum half Champi Nishantha slung for Asanga Rodrigo who went over,
Who is the member of the Western Provincial Council who tried to force himself into the main pavilion at the R. Premadasa International Stadium where the Pepsi Asia Cup final between Sri Lanka and India was played.
This person with a political clout with two of his bodyguards were not allowed to get in by a Senior Official of the Board of Control for cricket, without tickets.
This politician later abused the Cricket Board official in four letter words watched by many and even went onto the extent of threatening him with harm.
In the afternoon it was the same story when this politician tried to force himself again and was stopped by the same Cricket Board official who was again abused.
Meanwhile the President of the Cricket Board, Upali Dharmadasa, has in a fax dated July 31st, stated that this matter has been settled after discussion.
It is also learnt that the Exco of the Cricket Board held an emergency meeting, the outcome of which, is still to be known.
Those sitting in judgement in organising practice matches for those aspiring to be selected for the forthcoming Under19 tour of South Africa are left in a quandary.
While some of those picked to play in practice games do not turn up, they get the same players to play for two teams in matches fixed for the same day!
"Sri Lanka should, for the time being forget of winning medals at the Olympics and concentrate on winning some at the Asian Games and possibly the SAF Games", stressed Hemasiri Fernando the newly elected President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) in an exclusive interview with the Sunday Times.
"The last medal we won in the Asian Games was in 1974 and emphasis should be laid out in achieving our goal at the next Asian Games, with the talented athletes such as Susanthika Jayasinghe, Sriyani Kulawansa, Sugath Tillakaratne, Mahesh Perera, Chinthaka de Soysa and Damayanthi Darsha".
"My mission is to make a solid national base to compete at Asian and Regional level in all sports activities, before venturing into the international level of Olympics, stressed Mr Fernando.
He said that there is no harm in talking about Olympic medals. One thing should be made clear that the NOC is not responsible for winning Olympic Gold Medals.
"The NOC's duty is to co-ordinate matters and give the maximum benefits to sportsmen and women, to come upto a certain standard," he said.
"Lack of discipline may prevent certain athletes of doing their best. I have a lot of things in my mind for the improvement of sports which will be introduced gradually".
Talking about the funds given to Sri Lanka by the IOC and IAAF in its promotion drive, Mr. Fernando said that he does not want to get involved in controversy, but he has instructed his Secretary, Cmdr. H.U. Silva to go through the books and files and report to him within a week, after which I may be able to answer any questions on this subject.
The NOC chief stated that some bodies and their administrators are not enthusiastic enough in getting the assistance of them. Many sports bodies do not attend meetings of the NOC to air their views.
Since the last one and half years, I took note of the lack of interest by some sports bodies, which I will put right during my tenure of office, Fernando said.
"I will stress that all affiliates to the NOC should attend meetings and participate in the discussions which will enable us to assist them.
"Netball will be affiliated to the NOC very soon", stated Mr. Fernando, and they richly deserve to be accepted by the NOC since they were affiliates of the IOC.
Even the Minister of Sports Mr. S.B Dissanayake spoke to me regarding it", Mr. Fernando said.
"Winning medals at the SAF Games has no effect at all, since only seven countries are participating but emphasis should be laid on the Asian games.
Our boys and girls should be given the confidence in building a platform in achieving these targets".
"I will no doubt help build this platform where our competitors will go all out to perform well at all international meets".
"Certain sports have adequate facilities for coaching while some others do not have and this matter will be looked into as a matter of priority".
A new Sports Complex with Korean aid is to be built at the Race Course Sports Arena in the very near future , which will no doubt be beneficial to our up and coming sports men and women".
Discipline is foremost in my mind in dealing with all sports bodies, irrespective of the fact how big or small they are.
Today almost all sportsmen and women are being sponsored by leading firms, which during our time 20 years ago, was denied to us..
"Sri Lanka should win at least five to six gold medals at the next Asian Games, in athletics and rifle shooting. I will personally meet and talk to our medal prospects and motivate them", Mr Fernando said.
Emma Levine was born on Bradford Yorkshire in 1969 and graduated from Nottingham University as a graphic designer in 1991 ln pursuit of her long standing desire to visit India she left England in Feb.
1992, and visited India, Cambodia, Vietnam, China and Pakistan and took up free lancing as a photographer and writer for magazines and newspapers throughout Asia.
In January 1993 she followed the England cricket team's tour through India and Sri Lanka. She has written two well researched books titled 'Cricket - a kind of Pilgrimage' and "Into the passionate soul of sub-continental cricket". She lives in Bombay, India.
I met her at Khettarama when Arjuna was showing the world how best to play cricket.
Emma was here to cover the Asia Cup and she was all over, inspecting the pitches, teaching the cops to play cricket, bowling googlies, thrashing over the ropes and supporting Asian cricket.
Emma came to Sri Lanka in 1993 with the England team to capture the essence of cricket in the sub-continent and learn about the passion and the will Sri Lanka has for cricket.
This visit was followed by her visit in 1995 for the World Cup and then for the Asia Cup last month.
This very interesting female writer who once dressed up as a clown and worked for a male strip show has cheered at the Joe-Pete, shared a few drinks at the Mustang tent and visited Jaffna Central to play cricket with the students.
She had been to the Royal-Thomian to see 15,000 spectators enjoying a school big match, singing and dancing. "I was amused.
It seemed to be a big tradition in Sri Lanka and to my great surprise only about 500 spectators attended the England vs Sri Lanka Test match on the same day Royal-Thomian was played.
"I was in Jaffna for one and a half days but it took me three days to get there. I interviewed people and got the pictures I wanted and they spoke about the importance of sports in an environment like Jaffna as people use cricket as an escapism from war and other situations."
"I have taken a close look at Sri Lankan cricket since 1993. You have a brilliant one day side and three stunning world stars in Arjuna, Aravinda and Sanath but Sri Lanka must play more Test matches to become the best test playing nation. I hope politics doesn't get in the way as I see a lot of politics in cricket predominantly in Asia and the West Indies."
"I believe that there is a truth in it as there cannot be smoke without fire. We have seen the repercussions, one of India's top sports journalists has been sacked because of his known connections with bookmakers and I think it is in all the South Asian countries.
It stinks. It is outrageous. If guys want to make so much money they should quit cricket and do something else and join the stock market. Not cricket."
"It is true that the Australians do it more. Every wicket keeper in the world is engaged in sledging and some of the Indian and Pakistani wicket keepers are the worst in the world. Verbal abuse, offensive abuse is not right. Gentle teasing is OK. It should not be racist and it is up to the umpires to control it if it gets out of hand."
"Money corrupts cricket. The more you have the more you want it. It is an industry and TV has done a lot. India has the biggest audience for Star TV and TV viewership is money.
Rise of prominent personalities, private endorsements, Sachin's X million dollar contract for World Tel, the state patronage. All these have contributed to the growth of cricket.
Sachin still is a great player and each player has his ups and downs and it is very difficult to say that when you sign a player for 5 years, that he will be in top form all the time. I think captaincy has affected his form. Today Rahul Dravid is more expensive to endorse products than Tendulkar. Dravid, the rising star has taken over.
People still like one-day cricket and Jayasuriya is the archy type of one-day player. He is fast, he is exciting and he essentially changed one-day cricket than any one else in the last ten years. People love to see somebody who is carefree, plays good cricket, exciting and happy. Sanath is always smiling. He appears to be a down to earth character and people all over the world love him.
You are bloody marvellous. Sri Lanka is my favourite team in the world. I will carry the Sri Lankan flag to England for the 1999 World Cup and I would love to see you win again.
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When
Sri Lanka attained Test status in 1981, the first Test match ever for Sri
Lanka played against England was both a memorable and picturesque event
staged at the P. Sara Stadium at the Tamil Union grounds on Serpentine
Road in Borella.
The stadium was a monument erected by the legendary Sri Lankan cricketing great P. Saravanamuttu for the benefit of the Sri Lankan cricketing public and one coming upto international cricketing standards. When the coffers of the Tamil Union Sports Club were heavily burdened with expenditure it was indeed a feat to undertake the venture of converting a tract of marshy land into one of the finest cricketing venues of the world and one that Sri Lanka can still be proud of.
Sara, as he was fondly known served as the President of the Ceylon Cricket Association for 13 years and was the first President of the Board of Control for Cricket . As a man above petty politics he embarked on the grandiose scheme of constructing a superb cricketing arena not merely for the Tamil Union but for the future betterment of cricket as a whole.
Sara was a man of many talents and virtues and stood head and shoulders above many of his contemporaries. An old Thomian, he passed his Civil Service while yet serving as a teacher at his alma mater. He wielded the willow both for his school and later for the Tamil Union, with great success.
A man of the highest integrity 'Sara' was known not only for his achievements on the field but also off the field as well. With his immense capacity for work he proved himself a superb administrator and one who made decisions putting himself above petty politics. Yet he was also never too busy to meet and come to the aid of the poorest of the poor from the Wanathamulla area where the Tamil Union grounds are located.
It was unfortunate that when violence erupted in 1983 vandals chose to destroy not only a part of the clubhouse but even a statue of the late P. Saravanamuttu who made his selfless contribution to the promotion of cricket in the island.
It was the unkindest cut of all since it was this very clubhouse that came to be a sanctuary for the poor folk in the vicinity when flood waters submerged the area. It reminds one of the saying, "The more I think of man, the more I love my dog."
A visit by me to the 'Sara' Stadium on Tuesday July 29 to witness a match between the Sri Lanka Board President's and India evoked a number of memories, main being the first Test win by Sri Lanka against India in 1985 on this now sadly neglected venue. Besides it afforded me the chance to talk to Chandra Schafter a double international both in cricket and hockey who has recently taken over as President of the Tamil Union. A man of few words but a great worker he spoke with emotion of the task entrusted to him on keeping the Tamil Union and its affairs alive, his struggle to keep the once only venue available for international cricket here alive and kicking.
"It was here that the inaugural Test against England was played by the Sri Lankans in 1981 after they won ICC status. Thousands thronged the grounds for this epoch-making match won by England led by Keith Fletcher with Sri Lanka captained by Bandula Warnapura. It is something not easily forgotten and should stand etched in Sri Lanka's cricketing annals," he said. Schafter spoke of a number of improvements that were necessary to bring the grounds back to its former status from its sadly neglected state today. "It is up to the Cricket Board to come to the rescue and see that it survives. It sorely lacks funds," he said.
Former Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batsman Ranjit Fernando, who is now a member of the International TV panel contacted by 'The Sunday Times' agreed that the Tamil Union is in dire straits due mainly to lack of funds . He added that it was not only the 'Sara' Stadium but several outstation clubhouses and playing fields that need looking after since they were the nurseries that nurtured our national cricketers. He said he went fully along with any programme to give a filip to our country's cricket clubs.
For the track record, it was at the 'Sara' Stadium that the Patron Saint of West Indies cricket Sri Frank Worrel smashed a breathtaking 284 for the Commonwealth XI against Sri Lanka. And it was here that the dynamic all-rounder Keith Miller scored 132 for the Australian Services Team led by Lindsay Hasset. He followed with another 100 for a Commonwealth XI against England (MCC) led by Nigel Howard. Miller was partnered by Ivers Gunasekera in a great stand. 'CI' as the latter is known to cricket fans matched every stroke of Miller's with controlled hitting. Fittingly, he allowed CI to race to his 'ton' ahead of him - a tribute to a great cricketer who also captained his country.
CI, an idol of Sri Lankan cricket had fans bewildered at this venue, when he clubbed Lindsay Kline, the Aussie spinner for five sixes in an over. The Aussies played a whistle-stop match on their way to the Ashes series. After this belting it proved the end of Kline's career as a Test bowler. In 1948, the invincible Aussie Test team led by that all-time great Sir Don Bradman, played here on their way to England Sri Lanka being led by maestro M. Sathasivam. Sir Don made 20 runs caught by Heyn at cover off Robert de Krester, while he chipped in with 26.
Arjuna Ranatunga, "Sri Lanka's man of steel" started his trail-blazing Test career while playing in the inaugural Test match in 1981 against England when he was only 17. Since then he has matured into a shrewd captain, and a high-class batsman. Arjuna is certainly a gift to the game and to Sri Lanka as well.
As a fitting tribute to P. 'Sara' the Div. I tournament was played for the 'Sara' trophy. But sadly in the past the BCCSL hierarchy had to give way to a sponsorship package and P. 'Sara' was forgotten for financial bargaining. It was called the Lakspray trophy.
This prompted the late Sam T. Abeysekera, one of the finest gentlemen in sport, who served the BCCSL and the Govt. Services and an elite cricketer from St. Joseph's to say "One can't forget the deeds and achievements made by 'Sara' . It's unthinkable injustice. Hope sanity will prevail in the future and his name revived," he added.
Gilbeys took over the running of the Div. I tournament and fulfilled the late Abeysekera's aspirations and the P. 'Sara' trophy surfaced once again. Later, the Pure Beverages took over the sponsorship, but thanks to its then Marketing Director, it continued with the trophy though sponsored by Coca Cola.
Today no one sponsors the Div. I cricket tournament - totally run by the Cricket Board but if there are sponsors in the near future, the Board must ensure that this great legend's name is not 'killed' for the second time, as the Sara Stadium is meted out with step-motherly treatment despite its contribution to uplift the game in the past.
In the recently concluded Ladies' Open Amateur Golf Championship all the 8 qualifiers had won national golf championships of India or Sri Lanka, except young Shayanika de Silva.
In this star-studded draw, Thuhashini Selvaratnam (+ 1 handicap - Sri Lanka Ladies Champion 1989, 1992) was top seed drawn against Nonita Lall Qureshi (handicap 2, 5 times All India Ladies Champion, Sri Lanka Champion 1982) who with two poor scores in the qualifying rounds due to lack of practice and a long lay - off from golf, was in 8th place.
Vandana Agarwal (Scratch handicap, the current All India Ladies' Champion) was 2nd seed at the bottom of the draw to play Suwaneetha Selvaratnam (handicap 7, Sri Lanka Ladies Champion 1977, 1987). In 3rd place was Anouk Chanmugam (handicap 4, Sri Lanka Ladies' Champion 1990, 1993, 1994) drawn against Yvonne Abhayaratne (handicap 8, Sri Lanka Ladies' Champion !983, 1985, 1988) at 6th place. Neesha Nirmalingam ( (handicap 6, All India Ladies' Champion 1993) was in 4th place drawn to meet Shayanika de Silva (handicap 4) at 5th place.
The first round started sensationally. Nonita struck form and created a major upset by defeating Thuhashini, the favourite for the title,2/1. The second match was also unexpected. Neesha, despite a lay-off from golf had had excellent scores in the two Stroke Play Qualifying rounds, was tipped to win, but Shayanika was up with her in her drives and seconds and putting beautifully won 1 up .
ln the third match Yvonne fought hard and showed glimpses of her best form but the younger Anouk with grim determination won 2/1.
The last match went as expected and Vandana had no difficulty beating Suwaneetha 7/5.
Shayanika continued to play impeccable golf and showing no signs of being overawed by the occasion beat the experienced Nonita who also played steady golf, 2 up to enter the finals. Shayanika was 2 over par when the match ended at the 18th hole. The other semi-final was also a tensely fought match. Both players started with birdies at the first hole but Vandana got an early lead thereafter and was 3 up. Anouk fought back and was only 1 down going to the 17th hole but her second shot found the bunker and after two poor shots, she conceded the match to Vandana who won 2 up.
The morning round started in windy conditions and Shayanika won the first hole after Vandana going for the green with her seconds, off a sloping lie, topped her shot into the water. The match was all square after the 3rd which Shayanika 3-putted. Vandana had a sandy par at the 6th to go one up, but Shayanika made it all square at the 7th by sinking a 50 foot putt for a birdie. Shayanika was I up at the turn and extended the lead with another birdie at the 10th. Vandana retaliated by winning the 11th with a birdie and after pars at the 12th Shayanika had another birdie at the 13th. However, putting lapses by her at the 14th and 15th gave Vandana the chance to make the match all square. After halves at the 16th and 17th Vandana's drive strayed into the trees on the 18th and Shayanika won the hole in regulation par to go I up into the afternoon round.
The afternoon round started in unusually blustery weather.The first hole was halved in par and then Shayanika lost her slender lead when Vandana had birdies at the 2nd and 4th and Shayanika inexplicably faltered round the green at the 3rd. The next 4 holes were halved and at the short 9th Shayanika again gave the hole away by going down in a 5 after being on the edge of the green with her tee shot. Despite going into the second half 3 down, Shayanika fought back by winning the 1Ith and 13th but putting lapses at the 12th, 14 th and I5th gave her no chance of pulling off a recovery and the match ended with a 4/3 win for Vandana.
This was Vandana's third attempt at the Sri Lanka title and this victory makes her the ladies' golf champion of India and Sri Lanka. Shayanika's natural talent and dedication to the game are unquestioned. These are two pre-requisites of a champion. In her matches in the championship she showed that she had the most important attribute - temperament.
In her finals against the All India ladies champion, an experienced campaigner in tournaments all over India and abroad, and one of India's leading golfers for several years, Shayanika held her own in the morning round. In the afternoon it was her inexperience that let her down. Popular player, Shayanika brought a youthful exuberance to the championship and her performance puts her right on top with Sri Lanka's leading young golfers.
The rugby referees officiating matches unlike the cricket umpires have a difficult task in controlling a game. Fortunately for the cricket umpires today they are assisted by the third umpire ( Electronic eye)
The rugby referee, is not remunerated for officiating the match where he has to keep an eye on 30 players for the smooth running without hitch or hindrance. Of course, he is assisted by two linesmen, who could help him in certain areas, of the game. But the referee must be in control like a judge, where he must make decisions on the spot without fear or favour.
But it was sad to note that in the last few games, the referees hadn't the courage to penalise teams committing fouls close to the try line, teams still getting away with the punishment they deserve for this blatant infringement - a penalty try, which is enshrined in the laws of the game.
From whatever quarter the Ref. has to act courageouly when players resort to professional fouls with just two or three metres away from the touch line. It should have not ended with just another penalty but with a penalty-try.
To put it in a judicial jargon, to get away with a suspended sentence for a crime which deserves deterrent punishment. Wilful collapsing of the scrum and pulling down players are some of the tactics adopted by the respective teams. It could be tolerated once, but not repeated. This was evident, but the Ref. hadn't the courage to award a penalty-try.
Watching rugby in Australia both in the league and rugby union matches, it was no nonesense by the Ref. for professional fouls close to the scoring line. It resulted in a penalty-try. This in the process make the respective teams to play hard and open rugby, sans 'dirty-play'. The local Refs. may be put under pressure by outside elements, but they must discharge their duties, as interpreted by laws of the game. This will also help to improve the levels of the game. Undoubtedly the standard of refereeing has improved, but it could be improved further if the Referees' Society call upon their rank and file to adhere to the laws and penalise teams for fouls close to the touch line. - B.W.
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