Sanath looking to play a straight bat
Sanath Jayasuriya was at the helm of the selection process when the Lankans came into the quarter-finals 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
As expected former selection committee chairman Sanath Jayasuriya – one of the most consistent performers in this position in recent times will be back in this key position once again.
On Friday afternoon Jayasuriya met the SLC hierarchy and they reached a consensus.
Jayasuriya, a person who was always on hand looking into every detail of the squad including even at practice sessions, kept his players on their toes all the time.
An SLC high-up told the Sunday Times “It is very likely that we will be appointing him for the position. The committee that is headed by Aravinda de Silva will sit at the helm till April 30, till such time Sanath will also assist the forum so that he would have an insight to the proceedings”.
The Lankan team for England is scheduled to leave the country by May 3 and Jayasuriya is very likely to be a part of that the decision making process.
When asked about the proposition Jayasuriya said “I am waiting for the official nod of approval. I know what has to be done and I intend fulfilling my obligations if the answer is yes”.
Meanwhile the national selectors who met along with Aravinda de Silva had brought in some experience into the fold in face of the younger brood not performing as expected.
In the Test squad only opener Tharanga Paranavithana is included, but there is plenty for the shorter version game.
The most conspicuous is Mahela Udawatta — prolific scorer in the local domestic scene. The 29-year-old opening batsman who appeared in nine ODIs and five T-20 internationals has a highest score of 73 against the West Indies in St. Lucia and a top score of 25 against Pakistan. His international career was confined to the year 2008.
Another player who has come into focus is leg spinning all-rounder Jeewan Mendis who was a regular feature during the 2014/15 season. Jeewan has an ODI highest score of 72 against India in Pallekelle in 2012 and a 43 in T-20s against Zimbabwe at Hambantota during the same year.
The other seasoned players who have been given another look at are — Upul Tharanga, Dilshan Munaweera, Roshen Silva, Angelo Perera, Usuru Udana, Malinda Pushpakumara along with Seekuge Prasanna and Jeewan Mendis.
It is also noteworthy that the name of Bhanuka Rajapaksa also resurfaced for scrutiny.
In the other matter up for discussion, Ravin Wickremaratne, the assistant secretary to Sri Lanka Cricket likely to be given an additional responsibility. The fifty four year-old former fast bowler now has been appointed as the Cricket Manager for the Sri Lanka tour of England starting in May this year.
Al old boy of Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya, Panadura, Ravin was a pivotal asset in the Panadura Sports Club armoury before involving himself in cricket administration politics, is also a close ally of incumbent SLC President Thilanga Sumathipala.
During his career as a fast bowler he bagged 753 first class wickets with a best effort of 5 for 22. Besides turning out for Panadura SC he also has represented, Sri Lanka Cricket Board President’s XI, Sri Lanka Cricket Combined XI.