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D.S. to coach U-19 squad
By Bernie Wijesekera
Former Sri Lanka all-rounder D. Somachandra de Silva, with his wide experience in the international cricket scene, in all probability will take over the coaching of the Under-19 cricket squad.

De Silva a world-class leg-spinner, has revelled at home and abroad with his crafty bowling. He captained, the Lankan team in New Zealand. His experience, whilst playing in England and in Australia, stands in good stead, as a knowledgeable coach.
D.S. coached the Bloomfield's senior team and helped the Reid Av. club, to dominate the local scene.

Earlier, he handled the junior national squad and helped them at grassroots level. But gave up for reasons best known to him. At present junior cricket at the national level has hit a new low. Overtures have been made for D.S. take over the coaching, again by the Cricket Board hierarchy. It's a laudable move, by them with a vision for the future.

He was contacted by The Sunday Times pertaining to his appointment. He confirmed that negotiations are being made with the Cricket Board. I have to work on a infrastructure, that too independently without let or hindrance.

If one went by the present standards set for the development of the game apparently it's found wanting with several coaches being appointed without proper planning. Imagine two coaches for the "A" team. One of them has returned to Australia. Imagine the just concluded final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the Emergence trophy.

It was a pathetic sight that the Lankan bowlers could hardly bowl to a line or length despite a fast bowling coach to assist. 29 extras in a total of 105 runs. The Director of Coaching (B. Warnapura and Roger Wijesuriya (a national selector) was seen watching from the VIP Box.

At present abound in quantity, but sad to mention that there is only a handful of quality coaches in schools. This is a great setback at national level. Probably getting D.S. back to coach the juniors will help the game immensely .

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