The day sea of blue turned yellow
Aussies feel the love and warmth in Sri Lanka. Pic by Ishara Kodikara/AFP
At a time of distress, it was cricket that delivered a semblance of comfort to an angry and desperate public battling an economic meltdown. In November 2019, expectations had been high for a ‘system change’ that would ‘herald vistas of prosperity and splendour’ to a nation that’s burdened with institutionalised corruption across all levels.
But Sri Lanka has plunged into its worst economic crisis since the independence with its leaders begging for money to fill empty coffers. There’s little sign of recovery. There are long queues for fuel and gas and soaring prices are worsening hunger. Inflation is galloping and worse is expected unless the IMF expedites its bailout to bring temporary respite.
It’s amidst this dire turmoil that cricket is being played. The ongoing Australian tour has allowed people to shift focus for life challenges, albeit momentarily, and to lose themselves in the sport. Whilst many were sleepless in queues, and some continued to protest at Galle Face Green, stadiums were packed to capacity as the public sought to escape harsh realities.
Aussies weren’t loved here, particularly after they accused Muttiah Muralidaran of chucking or Adam Gilchrist smashed a match-winning hundred with a squash ball into his gloves at the 2007 World Cup final. But Friday night was all about gratitude and admiration.
“Hard to recall a visiting team getting a reception quite like the Aussies have today. Sensational stuff,” tweeted Louise Cameron, a visiting Australian cricket writer, after Sri Lankan fans wore yellow to thank the Australian cricketers for visiting here.
Australia recorded a consolation win in the final showdown on Friday to concede the series 3-2, their first in 30 years. But the results seemed immaterial to those who attended Friday’s match as they chanted ‘Australia’, ‘Australia’ in an unprecedented scene as the visiting team led by skipper Aaron Finch did a lap of honour to show appreciation for the love and warmth.
Yellow balloons were also released into the afternoon skies and banners saying, “Thank you: Mates for life” were seen in each stand.
“It was outstanding, Sri Lankan are wonderful people,” said captain Aaron Finch.
“We’re very grateful that we’ve been able to tour here. We know the difficulties that Sri Lanka has faced in recent times. Hopefully, over these eight white-ball games we’ve been able to provide some joy for people in this country.”
The series started off poorly for the hosts, with Sri Lanka losing the first two T20Is played at the Khettarama Stadium. But an unlikely win powered by skipper Dasun Shanaka in the third T20 emboldened the lions who then produced some enthralling performances to clinch the ODI series. The victory has given renewed hope to an otherwise struggling team.
Sri Lanka’s performances across the limited-over formats have been below par over the last several years. Sitting among the bottom rankers in ICC rankings, they were forced to play a qualifying round last October to earn a place at the T20 World Cup.
They must do so again this year, having failed to earn a direct entry. The story is no different with the 50-over format. They must do a qualifying round for next year’s global showpiece in India. In such a context, the results were remarkable, having been produced against one of the world’s top sides.
Of course, the matches were played on slow turning pitches—the Achilles’ heel of the Australians. The fourth match, which Sri Lanka won narrowly on Tuesday, saw the home team deploying six spinners who bowled 43 overs in the match. It was a record in an ODI game.
After the fourth match, Australian opener David Warner pointed to this when he said, “This is extreme spin. You don’t usually see these types of wickets, and you only see them here.”
Still, Sri Lanka needed a win to bring smiles to the long suffering people, something that would give confidence and belief to the players. And it was a victory that justified the selectors’ decision to deploy a young team.
Everyone from former players to paid social media ‘experts’ criticised the move and insisted on bringing back some of the seniors to maintain the team balance but the selectors stuck to their guns. This seems to be finally paying off. The youngsters have flourished, though consistency is still lacking as seen in the final ODI which Sri Lanka offered the Australians in a platter. As Chris Silverwood says, the players are yet to reach the full potential. With continuous backing, this team is sure to be much more competitive.
Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera have come of age and will be key to Sri Lanka’s success in the long run. Dunith Wellalage, just 19, showed much promise when thrown into the deep end and contributed well. The challenge, however, is to do it consistently across different conditions.
The limited-over series, despite the anti-climax on Friday, is now done and dusted and the teams must now shift gears into the longer format. We have beaten the 3-0 last time and, on a dust-bowl of a wicket in Galle, Sri Lanka could aim for a repeat. Regardless of the outcome, however, ‘Isthuthi Australia’ for visiting us.