Sports

Sports

A bird’s eye view
There was no drama, no panic, for the Sri Lankans, their opponents Bangladesh caved in and surrendered the three ODI's as expected. The Home team did not have to stretch themselves; there was no pressure on them. Whether they played to their best potential could not be measured. True performance can be judged only when there is a serious challenge from a good opposition.

All fifteen members in the squad got the opportunity to play. The intentions were clear in that. The series had to be won. That was done with two wins. Then the four seniors, captain Atapattu, Jayasuriya, Muralitharan, and Vaas got the opportunity to keep their feet up and relax.

Upul Tharanga who was named "man of the series" made most of the opportunity. At twenty years of age he is a well organized left hand batsman. As a schoolboy he must have got many deliveries at a pace he could handle readily available to send to the boundary, in particular outside the off stump. He still continues to play lavishly outside off stump, at times flirting with danger. He has got to tighten up in that area and handle the short pitched delivery precisely. Certainly he's a player with a future.

On the opposite side of the scale Dilhara Fernando was very impressive. He is Sri Lanka's quickest bowler. When comparing consistency he edges out Lasith Malinga in that department. Fernando has got over the injury concerns and has chiselled out some of the rough edges in his action. It is very heartning to note his progress over the past six weeks.

Mahela Jayawardena oozed with confidence on the occasions he was called to the crease. It is amazing how success breeds confidence. He is in brand spanking form right now. The next step will be to take that form overseas. He has to prove himself abroad and the forthcoming opportunities are in plenty. India, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh and England are all on Sri Lanka's touring itinerary for the next twelve months.

The spin department performed well, as expected at home. Dilshan indicated that he could be relied upon to deliver his quota in these conditions. A fully fit Sanath Jayasuriya will add even more variety and a whole lot of experience to this attack. Young Farvez Mahroof too continues to improve as a bowler. The other medium pacer tried, Dilhara Lokuhettige has some way to go.

In all fonts—accuracy, variations, bounce, there has to be considerable improvements if he is to continue rubbing shoulders with the top batsmen.
Only one area remains a concern. It is the lower top and middle order batting that has not been sufficiently consistent so far this season. T.M. Dilshan, Russell Arnold, Upul Chandana and Chaminda Vaas occupy these positions.
Dilshan is going through a bad patch right now. He has struggled through the recently concluded tri-nation tournament and against Bangladesh. He was promoted up the order to number three in the second game but struggled for timing. He must stick close to the basics. Anticipating a position in the test team, he must make the most of every opportunity to string together a long innings.

Russell Arnold has now reached a stage in his corner where he must bat regularly to maintain batting form and fitness. That has not happened since his return to the side. The role that he often has to play requires him to be in good nick. He has to adopt and adopt quickly to the match situation when batting in the middle, to attack or combine attack with defence or defend for a while before accelerating in possible situations that can be encountered. It is a vital position and the team management must look after the player concerned and ensure that he gets sufficient match batting - time at the centre.

As the case should have been the one dayers were easy for the Sri Lankans and a good practice opportunity. The first of two test matches starts on Monday and the Sri Lankans must repeat the exercise.

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