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Dilshan the bright spark
How refreshing it was to watch young Tilakaratne Dilshan stride out to the middle in Kandy and at SSC to play with confidence and maturity. It was the manner in which he played from the out that impressed. The approach in handling the 'English bowlers was spot on.

Most English observers were of the view that the bowling attack in the Kandy test was one of their weakest ever. James Kirtley, Andrew Flintoff, Ashley Giles and Gareth Betty combined had played just fifty six test matches prior to that game. Woefully inadequate to handle a test attack on totally foreign conditions.

Had this been a game a casual affair in the park with no international tag to it, no TV coverage, no big venue and spectators, the approach would have been so much different. The respect for the bowlers disappear. The extra caution that is taken at times does not exist. The thought of failure and its repercussions does not enter the mind. In short its a matter of the messages that are passed on to the body by the brain.

All messages that were passed from brain to the bodyof Dilshan at Asgiriya were possitive. He has been in good form in the domestic games. That warranted for his recall to the side. Sri Lanka opted to play an extra spinnerin the first test in Galle, so Dilshan had to carry the drinks.

When he did get the opportunity in Kandy he grabed it with open arms. Most importantly he continued to play in the manner which had brought him runs. The proven method of recent times. Perhaps the England attack in these conditions were not as good as some of the better Club teams. So play the way you played the Club bowlers. Forget the occasion. Simply play the ball as you see it and how it comes to you off the pitch.

This was the object lesson for all batsmen. The lesson that was produced off Dilshan's bat. His footwork was precise, balanced when playing the ball, shot selection was near perfect, defences was tight and the loose delivery was punished unmercifully. It was a complete package of batsmanship.

As much as Dilshan contributed 50 too did Mahela Jayawardena. Mahela's record against the Englishman both at home and away. What a good time for him to return to form. He took a while to get moving. Particularly in Galle. That was understandable, having had a poor run in International cricket for a while.

His concentration, which was lapsing during that run of bad form, has returned. Now,much more focused he has valued his wicket every time he's gone to the middle, in this series. Joining these two is Kumar Sangakkara. He has displayed very good touch. Yet to make a real big score. Then again he was run out twice and due to no fault of his own. Keeping wickets must tire him but he is a very fit young man and as yet able to cope with both responsibilities.

Mostly the form of these three players important for Sri Lanka's future. They need to solidify that middle order. The selectors have had great faith in Jayawardena and Sangakkara. They must justify the investment and carry the teams batting on their shoulder for another half -a- dozen years or more.

Dilshan who had a stint earlier was left out when the runs dried up. Now that he has regained form it is upto him to dig in and consolidate his position. Should that happen the middle order too is settled for a while. Tilakaratne, Jayasuriya, Atapattu, Muralitharan, Dharmasena have reached the final lap of their career. Their fitness and performances will always be monitored now.

There are opportunities for younger players to apply when their position fall vacant. T.M. Dilshan has put his hand up and made a strong claim for permanency. Certainly a bright spark for Sri Lanka Cricket.

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