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DateLine Sunday, 27 January 2008

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Sri Lanka in same group as Australia in under 19 World Cup

CRICKET: The presence of former Sri Lanka batting dynamo Aravinda de Silva should inspire the country's young Test aspirants when they leave for Malaysia to participate in the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup from February 17th to 22nd, 2008.

Aravinda de Silva - Consultant Coach. Ashan Priyanjana - Captain of Sri Lanka U. 19.

The tournament is a major milestone for young cricketers which in the past has seen some of the world's greatest players, including Brian Lara, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, and Sanath Jayasuriya just to name a few, excelling and making it to the big league.

Pakistan beat India in a low scoring final at the R. Premadasa Stadium when it was held in Sri Lanka in 2006.

Aravinda de Silva was always eager to give something back to Sri Lanka cricket and he readily accepted when he was invited to come in as consultant coach for the juniors. He will be a part of the team while in Malaysia.

Sri Lanka has been drawn into group 'C' along with Australia, Nepal and Namibia.

They will meet Nepal on February 18 at Penang SC, on 20th February Namibia and Australia on February 22 at Penang. The super league quarter finals will begin on February 24 and the finals scheduled to take place on March 2.

The 16 teams have been divided into four groups. In group 'A' is Pakistan, Zimbabwe,New Zealand and the host Malaysia. In group 'B' India, West Indies and South Africa. Group 'C' Australia, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Namibia. In group 'D' England, Bangladesh, Bermuda, Ireland.

Sri Lanka coach Roger Wijesuriya the former Test left-arm leg spinner, said that it's going to be a huge challenge and hoped the ongoing triangular contest between Sri Lanka, Pakistan and England should help to iron out most of the short comings. Pakistan are the defending champions rated No.1 and England ranked No.3 and meeting each other should provide the ideal platform for all three teams.

"Batting is our forte and our bowling is also strong. We have been practising for several months and went on tours as well. We had our ups and downs and we know the areas we got to improve and we are working on that." said Wijesuriya the coach.

Aravinda de Silva said that he has been having the idea of coaching the youngsters for some time and thought it was the right time now with a world cup around the corner.

"The team is a good one but there are some structures which we need to put in place especially at junior level. Once you are directly involved in the process you realise those lapses. Educating them at this level is of paramount interest." he said.

"What is lacking in the structure is from junior level one should prepare them to play good and competitive cricket. I see that is lacking in the present day lot."

"They certainly do not lack the talent and the technique because from their younger days the coaches have done a wonderful job developing them. But I feel that there are lots of other areas to smoothen out to become a top class cricketer these days. For instance fitness, mental toughness, playing according to the conditions, fielding, bowling according to the conditions are the areas we got to develop if we are to win."

"There are one or two individuals who might come out and perform well, but it is not sufficient to win matches or tournaments. So they should get together as one unit and do all those things successfully."

Talking about motivation, Aravinda stressed that it is connected with the mental condition of a person and those are the areas he is concentrating most and not confusing some players with too much theory. This is important, they love the game and let them enjoy it.

The Sri Lanka Under 19 squad

Ashan Priyanjana (Captain) Nalanda, Dinesh Chandimal (Ananda), Dilshan Munaweera (Nalanda), Kusal Janith (Royal), Roshane Silva (St.Joseph's), Angelo Perera (St.Peter's), Sachit Pathirana (Trinity), Thisara Perera (St.Joseph's), Ishan Jayaratne (Wesley), Chatura Pieris (St.Peter's), Navin Kavikara (DS Senanayake), Lahiru Thirimanne (Prince of Wales), Umesh Karunaratne (Thurstan), Imesh Udayanga (Dharmasoka), Denuwan Fernando (De Mazenod).

Manager; Ashley de Silva. Coach; Roger Wijesuriya. Consultant Coach; Aravinda de Silva.

The team leaves on February 10.

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