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The dawn of a new era
By Ranil Abeynaike
After the excitement in Australia, the series in progress against Bangladesh has been hardly an attraction. Many have looked at Sri Lanka’s performance with a critical eye. Some very vociferously when Mahela Jayawardane’s team lost the second ODI.

Let’s not forget that Bangladesh will keep improving. They are not going to keep on losing forever and ever. They will start to get players coming through the ranks who will be as good as their contemporaries. The performance of their under 19 players indicated that. Therefore, the moment Bangladesh has a good performance the opposition cannot be condemned. They will grow in confidence playing at home and initially their better performances will come at home.

Let’s not also forget that Sri Lanka got whipped quite regularly when they began. Sri Lanka had a very solid foundation when they were accepted to the international fold. They found moving up the ladder a quicker process. The likes of Arjuna Ranatunge and Aravinda de Silva went through the mill. From modest beginnings they ended as the pillars around which the World Cup win was built around. They finished as world renowned players. Mohamed Ashraful is Bangladesh’s talented and match winning performer. He may well see his team chalk up some famous victories in the years to come.

Sri Lanka started this tour with a new captain and deputy and a number of fresh faces, heralding a new era. Mahela Jayawardane and Kumar Sangakkara are a good combination. Jayawardena having been Vice Captain has his method of leadership. When a player leads for a while the team adapts to his mode of handling the side.

Jayawardane is only the temporary leader. He has to set his mind to establish his own identity as the Captain. At some time in the not too distant future Sri Lanka will begin to lose the veterans who have served the team so very well. The opening partnership will be the biggest vacuum to fill. Sanath Jayasuriya and Marvan Atapattu have been the country’s best opening combination and must rank amongst the best seen in world cricket. Whenever they go who can fill their shoes?

Jehan Mubarak, Michael Vandort and Upul Tharanga are the players in the forefront to get in. Mubarak has had more opportunities than the other two. He has not done sufficient to cement a place. Van Dort is the oldest of the three. He is in there now and will have to deliver soon before time runs out.

Upul Tharanga’s career is just beginning and is best placed to be the long term prospect. Others in the picture are Ian Daniel and Shantha Kalavitigoda. These two players must put their hands up and grab this opportunity. The most encouraging factor is the re-emergence of Malinga Bandara and Kaushal Lokuarachchi. Together with left armer Sajeewa Weerakoon they form an impressive trio who will remain in Muttiah Muralitharan’s shadow for some time before they assume responsibility on their own.

Dilhara Fernando, on the other hand, has been the disappointment. He seemed a real find three years ago but has simply not been able to get his act together. Lasith Malinga heads the new breed. Again, plenty of opportunities for the youngs who can bowl quick, seam the ball around. All in all an interesting phase in Sri Lankan cricket. New names, new faces and a new era.

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