Spare SLC the blame for the rains...give them a break!

Pity the West Indies versus Sri Lanka Test series that promised a lot of exciting moments had to be spoilt by the rains that fell incessantly during all three games which resulted in a no-win series.

Bankrupt critics who can attribute blame for frivolous reasons are now turning their guns at SLC. It seems a pass time for them to clutch onto any straw, passing shower or deluge to point their fingers at the cricket administrators. No one is in control of the weather gods. To blame Sri Lanka Cricket for fixing these games in November when unexpected and freak rains broke out is poor thinking. How SLC must be wishing they had control of the weather gods and control the vagaries of climatic changes in the stratosphere. If they had such control, then they can also be vested with the power of waving a magic wand and deem that Sri Lanka wins every match! The rain gods are crying not only in Sri Lanka, but in most other countries which has seen floods and many lives lost. The Three Test series was arranged by the Boards of the two countries years ago.

Criticism when it is constructive and done in good faith for the betterment of the sport is certainly welcome. But when it is destructive and indulged in for settling vendettas it is not sport but rather acrimony that will only expose the bankruptcy and delusions that inveterate critics have.

Hugely talented

However in the action that was possible, it was a privilege to watch the batting of the hugely talented West Indian left-hander Darren Bravo, the menacing pace of Kemar Roach who could join the former pace bowling giants and the promising captaincy of new kid on the block Darren Sammy.

The enterprising century from skipper Kumar Sangakkara in the Second Test at the R. Premadasa International Stadium on a difficult wicket, the tantalizing spin of left-armer Rangana Herath who was ignored for the First Test and the show of promise of young pace ace Suranga Lakmal were the plus points for Sri Lanka. It also signals the promise that our side hold out.

When this column is read two of the five one-day internationals between the two countries at the Sooriyawewa Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium will be over with Three more at the R.Premadasa and the only Twenty20 to be played with everyone hoping and praying that the rains will be held back and the game will flourish.

First blood

Now that England have drawn first blood by beating Australia in the Second Ashes Test winning at Adelaide will they win the series for the first time in Australia in 23 years? That will be the question in the minds of the English supporters.

Now that the Australians have lost the Second Ashes Test, will they end up in ashes, or will they rise Phoenix like from the Ashes and regain the Ashes? And will the Brewery that offered a bet of a free beer to every Australian should Aussies win the Ashes be vindicated? That will be the question on the minds of the Australian supporters.

When England captured the last wicket of Peter Siddle to signal victory, they did the jig of joy joined by their vociferously cheering Barmy Army, while the kangaroos looked dejected and lacked their usual leap.

Bad dream

When Australia won the toss and batted first on the flat Adelaide wicket, it was expected that they would put that mauling in the First Test in Brisbane (although they did well to draw that game), as a bad dream and start afresh and dominate.

But the Aussie batting, other than for ‘Mr.Cricket’ Mike Hussey standing tall and unfortunate to miss a second century, lacked spine and just crumbled and the 245 they made was inadequate considering that England had a formidable batting line up.

When England replied they ran up an over 500 score for the second time - this time 620 for five before calling a halt to the massacre of the hapless Australian bowlers.

Australia went a little better in the second sally, but the 304 they made was insufficient to make the Brits bat again and the innings and 71 run loss was insult and shame on the Aussies considering that they were disgraced on their own backyard.

Belligerent Pietersen

For England vice captain Alastair Cook made a soup of the Aussie attack and Kevin Pietersen added the salt and spice to that soup by slamming a belligerent 227 - his best Test score and capturing the big wicket of Michael Clarke which also won for him the man of the match award.

But while the Brits will be savouring this memorable victory, till come the Third Test in Perth on December 16, the victors will do well to not forget that one swallow does not make a summer. They must also guard against the dreaded COMPLACENCY which has lulled many a team into taking it easy and capitulating.

As for Australia, at the moment the future looks bleak and unless they can perform a cricketing miracle, they might well kiss good bye to their ambitions of regaining the mythical Ashes that they have lost twice previously.

Analyzing the two teams, it is apparent that England is the better team in every department. Their batting is strong and providing the big runs, the bowling very much better and getting the wickets, but an aspect that they must work hard and improve is the poor catching.

Aussies second

The new ball is used cleverly by James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn, while Graeme Swann is providing the better spin. As for Australia they are second in every aspect of bowling.

Australia’s biggest worry is the lack of good and match winning spin bowlers. New boy left arm spinner Xavier Doherty is no class. It is likely that the Australian selectors could recall off spinner Nathn Hauritz for the next Test.

Why aren’t the Aussies producing greats such as the McGraths and the Warnes? That is a pertinent question that only the coaches and administrators and selectors could answer.

Australia has a batting line up that is strong on paper, but they are not clicking. Especially worrying to them is the poor form of Captain Ricky Ponting. Confidence which was once the strong point of his immensely talented batting skills that allowed him to mincemeat many an attack, seems to have sadly deserted him.

Scoring prowess

Ponting must be wondering as to which cricketing deity to pray to for deliverance and help him regain his scoring prowess which will surely rub off on the remaining batsmen if he gets into the run making act that he was renowned for.

England will be looking to give momentum to their all important victory while the Aussies will be gritting their teeth in frustration wondering how to get back to winning ways.

The three remaining Tests will be bitterly fought out with England refusing to relent and Australia refusing to surrender. So blood and thunder cricket is likely to be on the next menu. England and Aussie supporters will stay tuned.

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