Taylor's sacrificial decision

Would Mark Taylor have broken the record for the highest individual Test score had he not declared at the start of day three in the second Test against Pakistan played at Peshawar? The question will never be answered but Taylor's innings and the declaration will be discussed for as long as the game is played.

Taking the situation of the game no captain in Test history has been trapped in such an unenviable position. Not so long ago the man's head was on the chopping block to be dropped from the team for his indifferent batting form. Now he spends a night pondering, should he declare for the sake of the team or should he go after 42 runs to create Test batting history. lt could have put amongst the legends - Brian Lara, the present holder, Sir Gary Sobers, Sir Len Hutton, Walter Hammond, Sir Donald Bradman. For the record Sir Don is the only player to pass the three hundred run mark twice. ln fact on a third occasion he finished on 299 not out, underlining the sheer brilliance of the man. Judging from the run of play on day one and two at Peshawar, it seemed pretty clear that it was a heart breaking surface for the bowlers to operate on. At the end of five days only eighteen batsmen had been dismissed. When Taylor had to make that decision it must have crossed his mind that it would require a near miracle to obtain a result in this game. He obviously banked on the Pakistani's to continue in the inconsistent manner in this Test too. But it was not to be. There is no doubt of any cricket follower having grudged the Australian captain, had he batted an extra hour. Reports indicate that the senior players encouraged Taylor to go on. That he did not may perhaps make him regret in later years of his life.

The mere feat of passing 300 is something unique. Since Test cricket originated in 1877 only fifteen innings of a score over 300 has been recorded. This brings back memories of the last time it happened when Sanath Jayasuriya tore apart the Indians. The situation overnight was similar. The record was in sight. The disadvantage then is the wait overnight where the mental pressure builds up. Brian Lara too was in that position when he chased Sobers' record. He admitted afterwards to having had a restless night. Being not out overnight on the verge of a world record awakens a nation full of hope that their hero would deliver the goods.

To score a test triple hundred requires batting for five sessions or more. That is a lot of hard work particularly if the conditions are hot and humid. Although as an innings progresses a batsman keeps picking up the line, pace, flight of the ball better and better, it reaches a point when the body does not react quickly enough to the brain's message. Fatigue, soreness of joints and muscles, the feeling of dehydration are some of the common causes that cause the dismissal of a batsman after a long innings. Add the mental pressures of chasing a world record and every run becomes an agonising march towards the ultimate goal. Mark Taylor had that opportunity but decided against going for it.

Meanwhile, the Australians have been marching on confidently in their sojourn at Pakistan. They have played as an unit and put pressure on their disjointed opponents. The one noticeable factor about them is that every player selected in recent times has in some measure contributed towards the team's success. On this tour todate Stuart Macgill, Colin Miller and Justin Langer have played their part. The strength in Australian cricket lies in their reserves. With so much cricket being played these days no team can absolutely dominate. The best teams have to keep performing consistently both at home and abroad, thus underlining their strength. The Aussies keep coming in waves as they have the reserves through their very competent domestic tournaments.

Back to Mark Taylor: together with many others I am of the view he should have batted on for another hour. His decision underlined the fact that the team is more important than the individual. Mark Taylor will be remembered for standing up for what he felt was the correct decision and what he felt would protect the noble traditions of the game.

Love-all to Daddy

He is like a springed coil ready to take off and his smashes are white streaks of lightning.

By Saif Izzadeen

"I am trying hard to emulate my father".

This is what Jaliya Vimukthi said when asked what his goal will be by playing table tennis.

Jaliya Vimukthi is the son of the former table tennis captain and national champion Lalith Priyantha. With the kind of style he is showing he could soon be an another Lalith Priyantha in the making. When you take one look at Vimukthi playng TT, you do not want to take your eyes off him. He is like a springed coil ready to take off. His smashes are white streaks of lightning.

With his talent he is sure to do better and achieve more than what his father has achieved in this sport.

Jaliya emerged as a triple champion at the recently concluded championships conducted by the Otter Aquatic Club. Jaliya became the first person to bag a triple at the Otters Table Tennis championships.

"I took up table tennis because I like the sport," he went on to add. "After I saw my father playing, I wanted to try the sport. After some time I began to enjoy the sport", said Vimukthi.

When asked Jaliya how he felt after his recent achievement, he said: "The competition was tough, but I am very happy to win three titles".

He went onto add: "My parents gave me the necessary support to take part in this tournament".

"I practised very hard. Some tips from father helped. He tightened some of my loopholes. This, no doubt, helped me a lot".

Nine-year-old Jaliya who is currently ranked fourth in the island in the Under 12 age group, is also a bright student.

"My aim is to do well in table tennis and sports. Although I am generally tired after TT, I make a valiant effort to study".

Jaliya says that he likes to thank his parents for whatever success he has achieved and to the support extended by the former Warden of S.Thomas’ College, Mt.Lavinia, Neville de Alwis. Jaliya says that he owes a great debt to his uncle, the late Deputy Minister Nalanda Ellawela, who helped him to enter S.Thomas’.

When asked about his future plans he said: "One day I like to be the national champion and represent Sri Lanka as its captain".

Even though Jaliya is still young he is keen to help others reach the top.

Jaliya is a future asset for Sri Lanka and if he follows the right path he could bring glory to Sri Lanka.

Another basketball tourney

The Colombo District Basketball Association close on their success at completing the five-a-side cager tournament will move into their their second competition, an open Inter Club league tournament from November1 to 15 for men and women its President, Mark Fernando said.

The President further said that their main aim is to raise the standard of the game and make the sport popular. Otters AC will be the venue of this contest, which is a floodlit court.

Entries will close on October 27 at the Otters Aquatic Club at 6 p.m.The draw will be held at 7 p.m. on the same day. Entry forms are available at Captains, No.138, Havelock Park, Colombo 5.

Moore Shield for Park SC, Matale

By Saif Izzadeen

The saying that Sri Lanka’s best hockey players are from Matale was proved beyond doubt when Park SC Matale won the 43rd Moore Shield.

Park SC Matale beat the defending champions CH and FC by two goals to one in the final at the Astro Turf in Reid Avenue.

However their win was in the balance due to the fact that the game was dominated by CH and FC as they had 90 percent of possession and territory.

Chaminda Batugoda the custodian for Matale SC made sure that whatever happens his stout goal keeping would keep CH and FC’s terrific assault at bay. He did this with great courage. He was so committed that he also saved a penalty taken by Duncan Devendra. It can be safely said that the final was a match between the 11 rampaging players from CH against the skill of Chaminda Batugoda and his dedicated players from Park SC.

However the final was decided within the space of two minutes by Park SC. The team from Matale after being on the defensive for most of the time, found their rhythm and scored two goals through left extreme D.R. Dissanayake.

The two goals came in the 52nd and 54th minutes. One goal came off a penalty corner taken by Captain I.D.Hewawasam and put into the net by D.R.Dissanayake. The other goal was a solo effort by D. R.Dissanayake giving them a 2-0 lead. CH and FC were able to find a consolation goal four minutes to the long whistle when Asoka Pieris sounded the boards which had the final score reading 2-1 in favour of Park SC.

Although the win was achieved in a cliff hanger by Park SC Matale, their runup to the final was not a bed of roses either. This was revealed by Park SC’s captain I.D.Hewawasam.

"It is dream come true and we are very happy about the win. All the players were very ecstatic," was the way Hewawasam described this win.

When asked what he had to say about the victory, Hewawasam said: "Winning this tournament was a boost for outstation hockey", and went on to add: "There is a lot of talent in the outstations and all I ask the people concerned is to tap their resources for the betterment of the game".

"The preparation for the Moore Shield Tournament has not been easy. Only myself and a few other players are employed in Colombo.

The other remaining players had to travel all the way from Matale for matches. This is no easy task and we have to be very grateful for their services", said I.D. Hewawasam.

The Moore Shield is the oldest hockey tournament in the island.and Park SC Matale won the tournament for the fourth occasion

Indika Hewawasam said: "We must also thank the people in Matale who gave us the necessary encouragement and support".

"It was a dream come true that Park SC were able to win the Moore Shield" said the hero for Park SC - Chaminda Batugoda.

He went onto add that rather than an individual effort it was team spirit that brought the trophy".

Claude De Silva, the coach of CH said: "I think we should have won the final but Park SC’s Chaminda Batugoda did an excellent job. He was our nemesis".

"I think our players must take the blame for the defeat. They failed to connect some easy shots to score. Now we have to kick our heels. Congratulations to Park SC and I am happy that an outstation team was able to win the tournament.".

The teams:

Champions - Park SC Matale: Goal Keeper - C. Batugoda, Backs - I.D.Hewawasm (Captain) and R.M.J Rifaz, Half Position - S.B. Wickremasinghe, M. Seludeen and N. Dunuweera Forwards - D.Gunaratne, Siraj Mohideen. Centre Forward - Indrawansa Herath. Inside - Mangala Karunaratne, D.R.B.Dissanayake, Stand byes - Junior Dissanayake, S.B.Amunugama, N. Alwis

Runners Up - CH & FC:

Goal Keeper - C. Perera. Backs - C.Wasalage and A. Dharmasiriwardena, Half Position - Manoj Gunawardena, Asoka Pieris and Nisal Pieris, Forwads - N. Kulatunga, Keerthi Weerasinghe, Centre Forward - Atula Wijekoon. Inside - Duncan Devendra and Charitha Senanayake Stand Byes - B.V.S Perera and E. Dias

Umpires - Gamni Jayasinghe and Ravi Irugalbandara Third Umpire - Herath Bandara.

Result: Park SC: 2 ( D. R. Dissanayake 52nd and 54th minutes); CH&FC: 1 (Asoka Pieris 66th minute)

The Press, Cricket Board and Selectors

By Callistus Davy

The canard has it. Arjuna Ranatunga will retire after the World Cup next year, take over coaching the national team, and in comes Duleep Mendis as manager. Out from the scene will be Roy Dias and Ranjith Fernando.

Right or wrong, in a nutshell, this is just one piece ofspeculation that the cricketing public take up for discussion when those who play the game, run its administration or report on its affairs don’t just see eye to eye.

One member of the public who claimed to be an ardent cricket fan, told The Sunday Times he often cannot make out head or tail of what a cricket administrator in Sri Lanka tells the press or electronic media. "Either these people are scared to tell the truth or they hide something under their hat to shape something or someone up", he said.

Almost every educated citizen in Sri Lanka is aware of the primary function of the media. Educate, inform or expose in the interest of the public. Into this category fall every journalist irrespective of the subject he deals with. The cricket correspondent is no exception. To discharge his duties he has to poke his nose into all "corners and crevices" of the people who are answerable to the country and public.

The Cricket Board of Sri Lanka is a place where people of many contrasting backgrounds contribute their services either for a pay or in an honorary capacity. Everyone who has direct or indirect connections pontificate that he is committed to working for the welfare of the sport and those who play it. But in every individual who works for it, fear runs deep in his veins. Be defensive in your approach, live and let live, be on the look-out for your enemies and try to hide "news" that would reach the media that may in turn endanger your position. It’s the simple motto of most people who work for the Cricket Board.

The Cricket Board has had many Presidents, some of them politicians and others businessmen. One past President, the Press realised, was a man who mastered the art of conning to reporters. Another was too much of a gentleman to be involved in running a sports organisation in a third world country..

Board officials may show a refreshing face to a reporter under normal circumstances, but portray a different species when a media man decides to talk "business" with him. A reporter is well accepted by cricket administrators as long as he does not write anything against them or their position. When he writes the truth he becomes the bad man.

Not long ago an official once did not like what a reporter wrote. He asked the reporter one question. "I thought you were a friend of mine".

"Of course we can be good friends for life, there’s nothing that will stand in our way", the reporter replied. But the official was still disturbed. "Why then did you write this article in today’s paper implicating me", he asked. The reporter got the message. "Let me tell you something. You and I can be good friends but make sure we separate our private lives from our public duties. There is a dividing line and make sure you see that", the reporter blared away.

In the eyes of the media, its relations with the Cricket Board have hit probably the lowest of levels minus a compatible working relationship. Information is hard to get. A defence correspondent may procure sensitive military information much easier than a journalist covering the affairs of cricket and its administration. To some who run its administration, it seems that cricket is the most precious and vital of all events on the planet.

Last year when the Board organised a "social mixing of officials and pressmen", several journalists kept away from the function. "There is no point in the Board organising some get-together with the media and then looking at them (mediamen) as their enemies when they perform their legitimate duties", said one reporter who wished to stay away from the "social" held at a five-star hotel in Colombo . He confessed later that it would have been better if the Board had created a healthy working environment for journalists than invite them for a drink.

If Board officials have their way of handling the media, the selector is totally a different kettle of fish. A former Test player who became a selector, once had a long drawn telephone conversation with a journalist over a selection matter. The reporter, keen to meet a deadline, wanted some "inside" information about a replacement player. The selector answered some questions and at the end of the conversation, he told the caller. "If you publish anything about this conversation, even without connecting it to me, I will come and meet your editor the next morning", he said. The reporter answered back. "Please don’t do that, my editor knows how I am supposed to work and you will only be wasting his time and your time".

The selector later said his problem was that the Sports Ministry would take him to task for feeding the media with information before the minister gets to know about an issue. A few years later, a selector who headed the Selection Committee, and had a mandate to speak to the media, also said he feared the Sports Ministry and would not reveal any team without the minister’s approval.

The two episodes portray one thing. The selectors may want to project a durable image but in reality, are running scared of the Sports Minister, the man who appoints the selector and then seeks to govern his decisions.

Cricketers fall into another category. Apart from one or two players who may not mind speaking out, the average cricketer will prefer to shun the media in case he sticks his neck out. Feeling insecure most of the time he may see reporters as demons.

Some are averse to criticism. A reporter who criticises their actions, even if it’s constructive, may run the risk of entering their bad books. They expect reporters to look at the mistakes of their opponents and "shape" things up in times of their own failure. But there are also the good guys who understand the role reporters are duty-bound to play. They accept both criticism and praise with an open mind and their relations with reporters don’t change.

Overall, the Sri Lankan cricketer seems to be the kind of human, who despite his public image, feels he is being held to ransom by his governors. Very recently a cricketer with a reputation for being a teenage idol gave an interview to a radio station. He was pulled up the following day by the Cricket Board for speaking without "permission".

The media has been told that cricketers are on contract with the Board and are contracted not to grant interviews or speak to the Press. But what administrators don’t seem to have made clear to players is that their contract-clause governing speaking to the media does not restrain them from talking about their personal life-style.

Murali, the magician

Magical Murali, A humble man with a belligerent smile, Has started to blossom out! A tiny genius, Who was born with eagle’s eyes and Golden wrists, Was nourished by the Alma Mater of St. Anthony’s at the Hill Capital at first, And then by Mother Lanka! At the beginning there was a tremendous success! Later there were thousands of obstacles. But unfailing miracles of St. Anthonys gave rich dividends, !!! Where Murali created history at the Oval to take 16 wickets and to tarnish Englishmen! So well-done Murah! Hip Hip Hurah!! 400 wickets margin is awaiting you! Many congratulations !! Dr. Roshan Jayaweera, General Hospital, Matara.

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