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Good sparring contest for Sri Lanka
Since the series in Pakistan international cricket has been restricted to a single one dayer and 2 test matches in New Zealand for the Sri Lankans. All the other test playing nations have been enjoying a bust period, playing games as required for the professionals. The only consolation is that a few players have been involved in playing county cricket. Also, the ‘A’ team has been pitted against their West Indian counterparts. A few of them may get a look-in, although the test series has favoured only Russel Arnold and Gayan Wijeykoon to being invited to the squad.

On the reverse side the visitors have had a carnival of almost non-stop cricket in the recent months. Of course that is negated up to a point because they do not have a full strength side. The West Indies cricket board must take a fare share of the blame. They have known the situation for quite awhile and the sponsorship issue has blown-up before.

The players are out there for a short period of their life span, earning legitimately off their talents. A solution should have been reached and the issue sorted out. Now a large monster has been created. It has afforded an opportunity for the younger players. But it will most likely be revealed that they are not ready for the task. Often when a player is thrown in to the deep end before he is ready he sinks. It only needs examining of the Bangladesh and the Zimbabwe teams. A majority of those who have represented these two teams in recent years have fallen by the wayside whilst a number of the others are struggling to survive.

One rare achievement does not make an international standard player or team. It is consistency that takes both individuals and teams to the top.
For the Sri Lankans, their top players need to perform and get back on track. Atapattu, Jayasuriya, Sangakkara, Jayawardane, Vaas, Muralitharan, Zoysa, Samaraweera, Chandana, Dilshan are all players who are now established or outstanding international players. It is important that they succeed together as a team. A re-match of the Lara vs. Muralitharan contest was much awaited. In 2001 it was memorable stuff when the left handed genius amassed 688 runs in 3 test matches. Superb judgment of line and length and precise foot movement helped Lara to counter Muralitharan.

Muralitharan too was equal to the task although he could not outsmart Lara. The 24 wickets he claimed helped Sri Lanka win the series 3-0. In recent times he has been plagued by injury. Now he has returned but from the figures in the county games he has played recently, the magic isn’t all there. Now he has an opportunity. No Lara, no Gayle, no Sarwan means he can settle into a groove from the first spell and bowl a healthy number of overs. All eyes will be on him as he resumes chasing Shane Warne’s cricket tally. Warne himself will be engaged against the Englishmen.

A victory in both test matches is a must. The real test though, is when the Indians join in for the tri-nation one dayers. They will be looking forward to start the new season on a successful note. Therefore it is important that Sri Lanka makes the most at the sparring contest with the West Indies.

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