Russel Arnold tells budding schoolboy cricketers...:

Put up with critics, but believe in your dream

Former Sri Lankan batsman and internationally renowned cricket commentator Russel Arnold told aspiring young cricketers that the best way to overcome obstacles and pursue their life’s goals was to continue the hard work and look ahead irrespective of what lies beyond.

He made the remarks when he addressed scores of schoolboy players at the 37th Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the year awards ceremony held at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo on Tuesday night.

“This is the start of a long journey ahead, it won’t be rosy”, Arnold told the award winners, many of whom were village country boys proud of their achievements.

“I know the sacrifices you have made and the hardships you have faced. You will have to put up with the critics but believe in your dream”. Drawing a comparison between boxing and cricket the former south paw batsman said that just as a pugilist scores the harder he punches, a cricketer succeeds the harder he works.

“Even if you are not talented, you can still succeed through hard work”, said Arnold.