‘Keep learning new tricks’ – Rangana Herath to Lankan spinners
Rangana Herath
Left-arm spin wizard Rangana Herath has an advice for Sri Lankan spinners as they head into the Super 12 in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday against Bangladesh.
“When you start doing well, you will be closely analysed by your opponents,” Herath, who is Bangladesh’s spin bowling consultant till the end of the World Cup said.
“This is when you need to be street smart and up your skills.”
Herath was recently given an Honorary Life Membership of the prestigious Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Having spent most of his career in the shadow of Muttiah Muralidaran, the highest Test wicket-taker, Herath grabbed opportunity with both hands when it arrived and became the best left-arm spinner the world has ever produced.
“I think both Wanindu Hasaranga and Meheesh Theekshana are two spinners tailormade for this format,” the 43-year-old told the Sunday Times.
“They both have that mystery element in their bowling, like Ajantha Mendis.”
“But what they need is to keep learning new tricks, because you are being watched and analysed and (they have) to come up with plans to neutralise the threats. This is when you need to be smart, work hard on your line and length and skills.”
Wanindu and Theekshana are the two stand-out performers for Sri Lanka so far. While Wanindu hasn’t picked up that many wickets, he has been bowling economically. And Theekshana has unleashed his mystery on the batters, claiming eight wickets in three games so far.
Herath, a key member of the T20 World Cup triumph in 2014, sees a rejuvenated Sri Lanka team competing at the tournament and thinks the presence of Mahela Jayawardena in the dressing room may have made the difference.
“What impresses me is the levels of positive energy they maintain in the field,” said Herath, who has picked up 525 international wickets across formats.
“The body language is really impressive. That shows the hunger they have for success. I am sure Mahela has a big part in all this.”
Herath’s 433 Test wickets are the highest by a left-arm bowler in international cricket, a reason why he was bestowed with the MCC honour. Kumar Sangakkara was the first non-white President of the MCC and completed a two-year term this year.
“I am honoured by the recognition I got,” Herath said.
“As a cricketer, I have played the game with a straight bat. There were no disciplinary issues against me, no inquiries over corruption or doping or even slurring. You may be a fine cricketer but if your conduct is unwarranted, then everything you achieved is worthless. I have maintained the highest level of discipline and integrity right through my career.”
He invited young cricketers to follow suit.
Herath believes his stint with Bangladesh is a great learning curve for him to develop his career as he embarks on a new journey in coaching. He joined them in late June after discussions to join the Sri Lankan camp did not materialise.
“Since I joined them in June, we have been on tours mostly and haven’t had any pre-training. So my contribution mainly has been to help them in the tactical aspect of the game. Personally, for me, this is a very good experience,” he concluded.