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or die battle for Lankans The on-going tour to S.A. will be a testing time for the Lankan cricketers. In England they had to confront on seaming pitches with plenty of movement. But in S.A. it will be hard fast bouncy pitches. It requires a lot of batting skills, in an established game, unlike in an overs game. This was even pointed out by the legendary Viv Richards to The Sunday Times when he was here recently for the ICC Champions tournament. He said batting skills is a must even in an overs game where hooking and pulling was concerned. Mild-mannered Jayasuriya has shown maturity as a leader. Today he is leading from the front with much understanding from his teammates. He leads by example. He is no longer a "master blaster", but bats with much composure for the team's cause. It's a daunting task for the Lankan team with a mixture of experience and young hopefuls, to match against a strong team led by Shaun Pollock, in the two Test series. That, too, with a battery of hostile pacemen, unlike on our slow pitches. Probably it will be Sanath's last tour to S.A. as captain to lead Sri Lanka in a Test series. Whatever the odds Sanath is determined to make an impact, with an unstilted team effort. In the end if he fails, he will be not found wanting. But the Lankans will still maintain the love and the spirit of the game at all times on and off the field. The Lankans have been admired for their cricketing skills and will continue to be admired even on this tour. The batting looks sound. "Mr. Concentration", Marvan Atapattu, well supported by Mahela Jayawardena, Sangakkara, Hashan Tillekeratne - the stubborn left-hander - possess a temperament to play a long innings, for the team's cause. Alec Stewart, the former England captain, when asked who the most difficult batsman to bowl in SriLanka, he said it was Hashan. Hashan has the ability to weather a storm in a crisis. Newcomer Jehan Mubarak, the young all rounder gets an opportunity to prove his mettle. The selectors should be commended for drafting him. Jehan, a young old Royalist has excelled on the field and in the classroom, too. He has an excellent record in both. Incidentally the son of former Cambridge blue, Azis has played first class cricket though he didn't turn up for Royal. The S. Africans are not the team that was in the past under Hansie Cronje. In the absence of Darryl Cullinan, Cronje and gritty Jonty Rhodes - they lack the stength in the middle. Gary Kirsten, the experienced opener will be drafted to the side. He was sidelined for the ICC Champions Tournament due to lack of form. If the Lankan bowlers can bowl on target, then could make this two-Test series a closely contested tussle. The young hopefuls have been given an opportunity (fast bowlers). They have to make the best of it. There shouldn't be any excuses. Dilroy
in Asian rugby 'Gold' final It was for the first time that a local referee was assigned to blow in an Asian rugby final away from home. Fernando, one of the best in Asia, was appointed by the Asian Rugby Referees Association ahead of others in the region. This speaks well of his ability to handle the game without fear or favour. Earlier Fernando did a number of pre-quarter-final games in the Asian World Cup group matches. Dilroy is a die-hard rugby promoter and has done much of the development of the sport, especially for his old school Isipathana and CR&FC, since hanging up his boots. Today he is doing a lot for refereeing and has gained IRB recognition. He was appointed as a development officer - the second from Asia. - B.W. Lucky
still dominates badminton Lucky won the over 55 singles title and the Silver Medal in the same age category partnered by Hilda Kreulitch of Austria. She also won the Silver Medal in the mixed doubles partnered by Dhammika Gunaratne |
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