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"Whatever the critics say, I play for the right reasons" - Hashan
By Bernie Wijesekera
"This will be my sixth Test match I've been leading the country. It's a real challenge to me. Since my test career started in 1986, I have never looked back and played the game for the right reasons" said, Test captain Hashan Tillekeratne, in an interview with The Sunday Times.

Q: In some quarters they say you are a defensive captain and lack the aggressive approach. Is this a crucial series for you as player and captain.
A: "Everyone has the right to air his opinion. Playing the game at the highest level for 17 years for my motherland at home and abroad. At times under pressure, in varying conditions. In the process I have scored eleven test centuries. It's a team game where everyone has to contribute for its success. Individual brilliance or aggressive batting is not the answer in an established game. One must strive to stay at the wicket and play a long innings."

Q: You have been endowed to lead the test team when Sri Lanka cricket has hit a new-low and placed seventh in the test category. One can't expect you to perform miracles after a long drought.
A: "Lot of factors have contributed for this downward trend since our World Cup success under Arjuna Ranatunga in 1996. The entire team played their hearts out for that epoch-making win over Australia in the final. Everyone played a decisive role - Aravinda de Silva, Asanka Gurusingha, Roshan Mahanama, Arjuna himself led from the front and maintained discipline. Apparently there were no factions. Everyone played in unison and that too for the right cause.

The game hit a new high as a result. In some quarters they are critical about Arjuna. There are two sides to a coin . No one is a Paragon of Virtue. We Sri Lankans have a habit of condemning a man. Talk about his good things forget about the rest. He's a good leader and I've learnt much from him. Though I am a senior player, even at present I still seek advice from my past captains and the seniors. They could help the present youngsters unlike in the past they are not in the lime light. Their know-how is lost to the game. Not only past seniors but even administrators for advice. You live to learn."

Q: Past is memory, the present is known, but the future is unknown. Everything in life is temporary. No one could enjoy a 'Carry on Series'.
A: "You are correct. When your time comes make way for others. When my time comes and the heel can't hold its weight, then I will bow out with grace."

Q:What have you got to say about our batting.?
A: "The middle-order is brittle. That was one reason we couldn't win the second test against the Windies at the Caribbean, in the last hour. The batsmen lacked concentration and application. Flashy stroke play they fall easy prey to the opponent's strategy."

Q:What have you got to say about the batting line-up and a specialist wicket-keeper.
A: "The team has still to be picked. Jayasuriya and Atapattu will open the batting. The No. 3 slot will go to left-hander Kumar Sangakkara. A specialist wicket-keeper has a place in the side provided he gets runs. In the lower order Sri Lanka lacks batting depth. Nine, ten and eleven. Accommodating a specialist wicket-keeper merely for keeping at this moment is a daunting task. Brad Hogg, Bret Lee and Gilleppsie (Australia) could bat in a crisis with confidence. Unlike the locals who are all at sea.

Q: This attributes they get a long stint at the nets.?
A: "I agree. One has to do lot of homework before embarking on an overseas tour. This was found woefully inadequate even in the last tour of S. Africa. This needs long term planning.

"Q: With the prevailing uncertain weather what are our chances in the 3 test series. Hope the weather will take a turn before the start of the series, for all to enjoy and make it a keen contest.
A: "We had a six month drought, but at the moment plagued by incessant rain. One can't fight against nature. Went to Galle - everything fine for the First Test starting on Dec. 2. The entire square is covered. Of course overcast skies covered by a 'black blanket' which is a great setback for this summer sport. I am prepared to listen to others views before making a decision.

The seniors have the freedom to air their views. As a team all must be totally committed. Put the country before self. The Englishmen sans a couple of seasoned members are no pushover side. The future of Sri Lanka cricket's upward trend has much to do with this English tour played in our own backyard.

The Lankan team must make a concerted effort to excel in all three departments - batting, bowling and fielding. Then we could make an honest assessment of our own strength than giving hackneyed excuse for our failure.

Be it bad weather and indifferent umpiring. Both umpires are neutral otherwise it will be like water under the bridge. Then we will know that our cricket is in trouble and take remedial measures for its future betterment."

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