How could we brighten Sri Lanka Cricket in the future?
View(s):At present Sri Lanka Cricket is OK. We have players on a par with any country. Our schools and clubs produce some excellent players. As well as this there are enough naturally talented players in this country. Although the national game in Sri Lanka is volleyball many like to play cricket. The majority of parents introduce their children to the game. So, in this island there is a galaxy of players from which to select our national team. Our selectors have to select the ‘crème de la crème’. At times it is difficult to choose the best to the best. When all are equally good it is an arduous task to bring the very best to the team. Indeed, for the Sri Lanka Cricket and selectors, there is no problem in looking for cricketing talent in this country.
But there are other factors which must be looked at if a good national team is to be produced. I would like to highlight certain qualities that a player, who represents his country, must possess.
His mental approach should be very high. He should not be upset by any incident.
- A good player must be able to adjust to any situation.
- A good cricketer never gives up hope. He must have the quality of fighting.
- He should be able to handle any situation.
- A good player is always a team man. A selfish fellow should not be in the team.
- He must be able to keep a good rapport with his team mates. This will help him to give his best to the team.· He must have the courage to be calm and cool all the times, especially when things are not rosy.
- Along with their talent, players must be innovative and creative. Such players should be preferred before the others when the team is selected.
- A player who knows his strengths and weaknesses and plays accordingly is an asset to the team.
There are batsmen who can destroy the length of a bowler and there are bowlers who can detect the weak points of a batsmen and attack. Such players ought to be in the team.
If a player is selected according to the above mentioned criteria then Sri Lanka will have a very strong outfit which could deliver the goods in any part of the world. It is up to the Sri Lanka Cricket and selectors to include the very best in the team. As well as this there are other factors which the Board must look into. When we play in Sri Lanka we are at an advantage. But in other countries it is not easy to beat our opponents. It is up to the men in authority to ensure that our national players are given the opportunity to practise in various conditions. This is especially important before they make a tour. It needs constant thinking and planning. By doing so, we can then prepare our cricketers to perform well in any part of the world.
Also, there should not be any dispute between the Sri Lanka Cricket and the players. We have to keep our players always happy because when they go to the field their minds must be free to concentrate. Such a situation will help them to give their best to the team. Sri Lanka Cricket and players should have regular meetings and build up a good rapport.
If the suggestions given above are adhered to then the future for Sri Lanka will be very bright. There will be no need to worry when senior players hang up their boots. There will be enough replacements to take their place.
- Rev. Bro. Nimal Gurusinghe F.S.C.