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| Sunday, 13 October 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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Lanka's best chance of defeating the South Africans by Srian Obeyesekere Sri Lanka could consider this November's tour of South Africa as its best chance of making a long felt dream come true. Not once have the Sri Lankans in so many tours succeeded in stretching the South Africans on familiar home territory. For that matter, not even back home with the Lankans yet to taste a series triumph. But when the best available talent need to be showcased, sending a squad smacking of rookies cannot be in the best of interests. The selections have been controversy ridden with the Lankan captain, Sanath Jayasuriya voicing his displeasure over the drafting of several newcomers with virtually no experience. It caused a furore with Sports Minister, Johnston Fernando declining to give the nod to the original 16-member squad. It led to some wrangling with Chairman of Selectors, Guy de Alwis standing firm by his selections with it been resolved by the addition of pace bowler, Ruchira Perera. However, as many as four newcomers will make the tour beginning on November 20. They are pace bowlers namely Thilina Thushara, Tharanga Lakshitha, Sujeewa de Silva and Chamila Gamage, who made his debut against Bangladesh. But the question is whether Sanath Jayasuriya has been given the best available talent in a series Sri Lanka is in with a chance of changing fortunes in a 3-Test series. South African cricket has in the last year or so undergone an evident decline from what it was some 3 years ago. Their recent performances have not been upto the highest expectations when the side rode on the formula of new technology under the wings of England born coach, Bob Woolmer. The batting has skidded with several drop outs with new blood infused. Where they seem to lack is the solidity of Darren Cullinan. Asa much as the failure of the once high scoring Lance Klusener to come to terms with the bat in recent times. The bowling too has not been what it once was as the South Africans are experimenting with freshers in looking to re-build the team. As for the Sri Lankans, failure to capitalise on this tour to register another first in the country's cricket could well reflect on the selections. While the drafting of Ruchira at the eleventh hour after the selections ran into criticism has added some muscle to the pace bowling department, what is questionable is whether roookies can deliver. In the batting department, the retirement of veteran Aravinda de Silva leaves a vaccum. It will be interesting to see who will fill in this all important slot. The drafting of youngster Jehan Mubarak is an indication that he might be called on as a replacement for de Silva though it would mean Mahela Jayawardene would have to revert back to the number 4 slot. Meanwhile, Michael Vandort can consider himself unlucky not to have got the nod. The tall and lanky Vandort had two outings, both in long intervals against minnows Bangladesh and this year staked strong claims to be counted with a well compiled century. Though it was against Bangladesh what was noteworthy in that innings was the tremendous application displayed by the left hander in shot selection with the ability to occupy the crease. His height also gave him the advantage of good reach which are virtues in batting. Importantly, Vandort, who has been knocking on the door for recognition with some pleasing knocks on the domestic scene is that he has shown the technique to flaunt his batting on a higher stage. And South Africa could have been the ideal grooming ground. While on selections, there have been several new faces who have suddenly been dropped on the wayside despite showing the talent. For instance, medium pacie Charitha Buddhika Fernando bowled a good inswinger with the ability to move the ball either way. When he needed more encouragement, the youngster found the doors shut on him after the England tour. Left armer Nuwan Zoysa too has been in cold storage. While placing accent on new blood in team building is required ad hoc selections can only be detrimental to the game. The South African tour will tell. |
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