Sri Lanka Test side looks safe under captain Karunaratne
Dimuth Karunaratne scored 278 runs in four innings and was the highest run-scorer in the Test series
Sri Lanka saw the light at the end of the tunnel when they registered a 2-0 victory in the two-match Test series against the West Indies at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
This helped them retained the Sobers-Tissera Trophy and propelled them to 24 points at the World Test Championship. The inspiring leadership of Dimuth Karunaratne played a major role in this win. A vastly matured skipper was able to get the best out of the young bunch by making them to understand the role they were entrusted.
Leading from the front in every department of the game, he made his team to realise the value of gaining selected to represent his country with hard work and sacrifice. Leading a less experienced bunch of youngsters, Karunaratne handled them in such a manner that every cricketer should be proud of. He was lucky to lead a well balanced team comprising two speedsters, who could touch a speed of over 140kms and an army of spinners including two left-arm spinners.
As an opening batsman, the left hander made a fine exhibition of the art of building a long inning by collecting singles and rotating the strike till he got his eye in. This bares evidence of his earlier scores. This also gave the other opener confidence and laid the foundation of a big stand. The natural elegance of a left hander comes into play when Karunatne gets his eye in.
Picking the gaps, he sent the ball to the boundary giving no chance to the fielders. His driving off the front and back foot was a treat to watch. While the Sri Lankan skipper piled up his runs, he was seen walking down the turf to advice his fellow partner. The handling of the team on the field signals the maturity of Karunatatne. His field placing, having the right man in the right position and the encouragement he gives to the young spinners and pacemen is his hallmark. He has the ability to study the batsman quickly and set the field accordingly. Positioned at mid off or mid on, he always keeps an eye on the entire field and makes the bowler to bowl to the set field after consulting the bowler.
Sri Lanka faced a long standing problem in finding a good batting order. The selectors and the coaching staff solved this problem with the present batting line up which runs down the order up to the tail-end. The best example was the match saving ninth-wicket partnership in the second Test. Sri Lanka cricket looks to be in the correct rails with a bunch of devoted cricketers who rally round the captain to give their best for the country and to win the lost prestige.
The improvement is such that they are well aware of the bench strength and that their places are not guranteed.
Led by a captain who commands respect of his charges and supported by the coaching staff, this team is sure to give a good run for much stronger teams in the future fixtures.