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| Sunday, 23 June 2002 |
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Undettered Vandort 'bats' on by Pelham Juriansz Michael Graydon Vandort, a rising star on the horizon has been rejected once again by the selectors. Rejection seems to come naturally to this highly talented individual who first learnt a bitter lesson at his school when after just one solitary first eleven game he was abandoned. Left in the lurch to carry the water can for the Three Test series against India last year he was finally included in the one off Test against minnows Bangladesh, scoring 36 batting at number six, which was not bad for a debutant. Having represented St. Joseph's College, Maradana, from the under 13 team upwards and having blasted a 149 in a second eleven game he was elevated to play against Trinity College in the first eleven. He scored an elegant 54 in that game, which is one game shy of the big match, against traditional rivals St. Peter's, but fate was cruel to this six foot five inch tall left hander. He was unceremoniously axed for the big match and was left to rue his ill fortune. Not to be undeterred, Michael coached and encouraged by his father, Patrick, joined Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) and under the tutelage of Hemantha Devapriya played in the second string side, and a series of good performances ensured a berth in the first side. Two double centuries and he was on his way. A further call from the selectors to tour Kenya with the 'A' side was just a step away from making it to the top. What really caught the eye of the selectors was his performances against Pakistan 'A' and he came in for high praise from Mudasser Nasser, the Pakistan 'A' coach. A call to represent the National team was not far away. Came the Indian Test series and he was in the squad but had to sit it out in the wake of a recall to the ageing Hashan Tillakaratne. Strong forearms and an ability to concentrate for long periods in building substantial innings have been the hallmark of this young 21 year old, who enjoys batting higher up the order. Employed at the John Keells Group he now represents his firm and stroked an elegant century against Janashakthi in the Mercantile semi final at the NCC grounds last week. He further represented CCC in the under 23 Tournament last year. With the Sri Lankan first team in shambles at the moment it would be good for the selectors headed by Guy de Alwis to take a closer look at some of the youngsters before they lose faith in the selectors and give up the game like Sumithra Warnakulasuriya. |
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