In search of that elusive World Cup Cricket title

by Harsha Sathischandra - a keen enthusiast

WORLD CUP: Soon the election fever that grips us now will be replaced by a fever of a different kind, but thankfully one which would unite the Sri Lankan nation. The 2015 Cricket World Cup is almost upon us, though painful memories of the 2011 World Cup final defeat are still vivid in our memory. The deadline for selection of the final squad of 15 is just a week away and the selectors must be deliberating a lot on the final composition.

At the outset we must be realistic about are chances. Unlike in the Bangladesh T20 World Cup when we were considered favourites with India, here we are not that fancied, not least because of the conditions in Australia and New Zealand. But we have done exceedingly well in ICC events in the past and a semi final berth is supported by our one-day ranking. Proper planning and precise execution of those plans are crucial if the team is to do well. Selection of the right squad is key. It is clear that in this World Cup our strong point is batting.

Eight batsmen needed

In view of the relatively weaker bowling attack, the onus will be on the batsmen to set or chase down 300 plus totals. For that we would require not only solid batting but also firepower at the top and lower middle order.

We would probably need 8 specialist batsmen, one all rounder and 6 bowlers in the 15 member squad.

Dilshan, Sanga, Mahela, Mathews, Thirimanne and Chandimal more or less select themselves. This leaves 2 more batting places to be filled and I would propose Kusal and Dimuth. Kusal brings that 'X' factor to our batting and a quick start from him would give the innings that much needed momentum.

It will also allow Dilshan to settle in without having to be overly aggressive. Of course, Kusal has been inconsistent of late but I think that is more due to poor shot selection than due to poor technique. His near 50 first class average supports an adequate technique and shot selection should improve with experience.

After all, even Sanath was inconsistent in his early days and what a player he turned out to be eventually! If Kusal fails in the early matches, Dimuth should be there to fall back on as a steady, yet enterprising opening batsman and his recent good form would be useful.

Mahela precious in middle order

I must confess I am not a great fan of letting Mahela open, not because I doubt his capability to perform that role, but because he is too precious to us in the middle order. What Mahela can do in the middle order, nobody else can do, and that is making the scoreboard tick over by getting those precious singles with deftly placed wristy shots while making sure to put the bad ball away for boundaries.

Furthermore, it is the period of the innings when spinners operate and it is no secret that Mahela is a master of spin bowling. Mahela playing through the innings and perhaps launching an assault in the latter overs is more beneficial to the team than him getting a quick fire 30 or 40 at the top.

I am aware that Mahela prefers to open, but I am sure that this great servant of Sri Lanka cricket would heed the greater need of the team. Thisara is the undisputed choice to occupy the all rounder's spot but he should bat at number 8 allowing a specialist batsman at number 7.

Malinga, Lakmal and Prasad - first choice paceman

It is my opinion that Malinga, Lakmal and Prasad should be the first choice fast bowlers and they would be supported by Thisara and Matthews. The last fast bowling spot is a toss up between Eranga and Kulasekera.

The latter would have been an automatic choice if not for his recent loss of form in terms of both pace and swing. However, he has the vital ability to out - think the batsman and may yet deliver in swing friendly conditions in New Zealand. Eranga is potent with the new ball with good seam and swing but lacks the nerve and variations to bowl at the death. It would be a difficult choice but it is probably worth backing the experienced Kulasekera.

If fit Hearth and Sachitra should be the first choice spinners. I would not take the plunge with Sandaken, even though he possesses mystery. Sadly, Ajantha Mendis is not consistent enough these days and his wickets come at a cost. With the return of Sachitra the issue of spin bowling at the death is also resolved.

Ajantha thrives on slow, low and abrasive surfaces, hardly the kind we would encounter in Australia and New Zealand. But he should be ready to back up Hearth in view of his recent niggles.

To control runs on the field

This leaves us with a potent squad but individual players' roles to fit specific game plans need to be discussed at length by the team management.

I did not discuss fielding here but the way to augment an average bowling attack is to save runs on the field, and youngsters in the side should take a lead role.

Finally we should not worry too much about the end result of a particular match or the whole World Cup campaign for that matter, but instead focus on doing the little things right.

After all no team can take the field to win a World Cup. They can only resolve to do their best and hope for a good result.