| “My
physique and fitness will take me to World Cup”- Sanath
By Marlon Fernandopulle
A few years ago Sanath Jayasuriya had two steel plates inserted
in his hand following an injury he sustained on his hand. Today,
he has removed the plates and has no steel in his hand. However
the 36-year-old veteran has a will that is stronger than steel and
an equally strong determination to defy some of his critics and
make a comeback to the Sri Lanka team.
Relaxing
with his wife Sandra and two kids in his residence the left hand
batsman who revolutionized the one-day game with his batting exploits
is determined to defy age and injury and don the blue pyjamas once
again for his country.
The
Sunday Times caught up with the world record holder earlier this
week. Excerpts from the interview are published below.
Q:
You have been omitted from the test squad to India, Is it on form
or fitness or both?
A: That’s a good question. The Chairman of Selectors
Lalith Kaluperuma spoke to me while I was in India and said that
they will be leaving me out of the test squad to India due to my
shoulder injury(fitness).
Q:
But we have heard media reports saying you were dropped due to poor
form?
A: Even I have read and heard some of that, but I can’t
comment on that. However I must admit that I am going through a
bad patch right now with some poor scores.
Q:
How do you feel to be dropped?
A: Obviously, I am very disappointed. I am aware that as
a batsman you have to go through such periods. But I am confident
that I will make a comeback soon.
Q:
How do you propose to make a comeback?
A: Well, I am looking at the New Zealand-Australia tour
early next year. There is some domestic cricket between now and
December, so I hope to play for Bloomfield and regain my lost touch
and come back.
Q:
Do you think you have any flaw in your batting right now?
A: I don’t think so. As I said earlier I think it
is a phase where most batsman experience. Anyway I also hope to
catch up with Owen Mottau shortly and if there is any problem I
should rectify it.
Q:
With age catching up and frequent injuries, do you still feel you
can go on until the 2007 world cup?
A: It’s something that you will have to wait and
see, I am quite confident that my physique and fitness will take
me to the 2007 world cup.
Q:
So even at 36 plus you feel you are still fit and strong to continue?
A: Yes, Fitness is something that has come naturally to
me. You will not believe that even today I get much higher ranks
(when compared to some of the younger players) in most of the Physical
indicators.
Q:
What about your injury?
A: It is improving; I am doing a lot of rehabilitation
right now. I should start batting by next week and even play a couple
of domestic games to boost my confidence. I have also been asked
to join the Sri Lanka Under 19 and A teams and practice.
Q:
But isn’t bowling going to be a problem?
A: No, it will not be a case once I recover 100%.
Q:
But why do you want to bowl, when you are having a bad shoulder?
A: Bowling gives me a lot of confidence. Especially if
I take a couple of wickets or bowl well, I feel extra confident
when I have to bat.
Q:
Your teammates will be missing you in India?
A: Yes, I am sure they will miss me as much as I miss them.
I just hope that they will have a good tour and do well although
I expect it to be a very tough one. I also hope that the youngsters
who will be given an opportunity will do well in India.
Q:
So you still think you have a lot more cricket left in you and will
be back in the Sri Lanka side soon?
A: Certainly yes, I have gone through this before and I
am very confident that with my courage and determination I can make
a comeback, sooner rather than later.
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