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"Make or break series for Sri Lanka" - Tissera
By Bernie Wijesekera
"We must play according to our potential and must attack rather than going on the defensive. Then Sri Lanka has a chance of beating England in our own backyard," said former Sri Lanka skipper, administrator and a past national selector Michael Tissera, in an interview with The Sunday Times. Tissera has travelled far and wide and possesses a storehouse of knowledge on the game of cricket.

He said, "this is a make or break tour for the Lankans, to pull the team out of the present predicament. To achieve this they must play positive cricket. If the Lankans could overcome this, then it will be the stepping stone to bigger deeds - otherwise we are doomed".

Commenting on the strengths of the English cricketers Michel Tissera said that they have done their homework and have prepared themselves well in advance. He said "It's good for the game especially for test cricket. In its wake it has helped build their confidence and make the game more competitive at test level. Their effort against S. Africa in their home series is fantastic. Imagine the S. Africans set a victory target of over 400 runs in the fourth innings on a wearing pitch. But England made the chase to win the match and draw the series 2-all speaks well for themselves. But, added that playing against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka will be a task for them."

Q: After a chain of test series wins at home and abroad under Sanath Jayasuriya, what is the reason for our downward trend in the last couple of years?. A: "We had poor tours over Australia, England, South Africa. Facts are stubborn. The middle-order in spite good potential, have not played according to their ability. It has let down Sri Lanka badly. Further there are no young batsmen to put on the pressure on the wings.

The youngsters need regular exposure. The Indians despite their stars not playing still were able to make an impact in their last tour to Sri Lanka despite losing the series 2-1. Their youngsters showed their skills and technique in abundance to win the last test at the SSC. That's where the regular exposure pays dividends."

Q: Sri Lanka is pinning much faith on fast bowlers, but has not been able to produce quality spinners. A:" There are spinners, but they don't get a long bowl. They must be used regularly to build their confidence. Take Upul Chandana - a very capable all-rounder. He led the Lankan 'A' team against Kenya.

He batted with assurance, bowled intelligently and fielded well. His batting is a plus mark to any side. Rangana Herath is another adequate spinner, who has been among the wickets. There are others, too. But has not got the opportunity. If a spinner is used then he must be bowled, but just not for a few overs.

Q: What about playing a specialist wicket-keeper in the side, like in other cricketing nations.

A: "Yes. Prasanna Jayawardena, is the best in the trade. Unfortunately we don't have good allrounders. As a result he finds difficult to be fitted in to make it a balanced side. Pity Jayawardena hasn't much strength in his batting. Playing an extra batsman has not helped the cause.

The middle batting has not showed up. They lacked the technique to stand up to hostile bowling (away from the country). Most of them tend to play away from the body. It was noticeable in the last tour of South Africa when the Johannesburg Test was over under three days. The players must learn to play on fast wickets at home."

Q: Any comments about youngsters?

A: "T.M. Dilshan is shaping well. The likes of Vandort, Mubarak and others must get the regular exposure to gain their confidence. They on their own must work hard."

Q: What about two Captains, as in Australia?.

A: "Now they have picked, let's go that way. No comments. But Australia will continue with this as long as Steve Waugh is in the limelight. But once he retires they will revert to one Captain - Ricky Ponting."

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