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Mike in his second quest
By Bernie Wijesekera
For the first time Sri Lanka cricket team is being afforded with a three-Test series and seven One-dayers in the sub-continent. After gaining Test status in 1981, Sri Lanka has never beaten India in their own backyard. The Lankan team under genial Marvan Atapattu left on Thursday in their mission to break the hoodoo, which can be a daunting task.

“It was way back in 1964 that the Lankans defeated a star-studded Indian team under Nawab of Pataudi (Jnr.) in an exciting match, a game marred by fickle weather ,” said Tissera the man who led the team to that unofficial Test at Ahamadabad. Incidentally today he is accompanying the Sri Lanka team as Manager in their quest to break the 41-year-old drought.

Tissera said, “unlike the present team, where they are professionals,the team that he led in 1964 had to grind hard with megre resources. To compensate we really played our hearts out and I am proud to mention that it was a great team effort. Our gamble worked. It was under trying conditions. Imagine travelling by train from Bombay to Madras (Chennai) for three days. Apparently with no proper nourishment, it took a heavy toll on the body. But still their spirit was high.”

The 1964 team achieved it and raised many an eye brow among the cricketing world. The present team a disciplined and well-drilled side under Marvan could do likewise. Our aim is to prove that cricket is being played at a high level by the Lankans. We have proved it at home. But must make a concerted effort to make an impact and make it more competitive in conditions which are different to ours. It is not easy to beat India, in India in any form of cricket. If we do it, it's a great achievement, especially in the established game”, said Tissera.

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