Kaushal to play or not?

Sri Lanka cricket selectors in a quandary as clock ticks over an alien ball called the ‘doosra’:

by Ranjan Anandappa

Off spinner Tharindu Kaushal’s participation in the forthcoming Test series against the West Indies is doubtful and the decision will entirely depend on the selectors to play him or not after his so-called “doosra” ball (the one that goes away from the batsman) was declared as illegal following a test.

The 22 year old Kaushal who has played in six Test matches taking 24 wickets is however allowed to bowl the normal orthodox off break ball that moves into the batsman.

Sri Lanka spin bowling coach and former left arm spinner Piyal Wijetunga acknowledged that Kaushal’s confidence level has dropped and it will be hard work ahead to restore the situation. “At the moment we are working hard in rectifying his action while bowling the ‘doosra’ which is the stock delivery of the off spinner”, said Wijetunga.

According to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations if Kaushal bowls the ‘doosra’ in a match defying the ban he runs the risk of being reported a second time. If a test for the second time proves him to be bowling with an illegal action he will be banned from bowling at international matches for one year.

The ICC recently banned Pakistani Mohammed Hafeez from bowling for 12 months after a second test proved he was bowling with an illegal action.

Meanwhile Chairman of Selectors Kapila Wijegunawardena said that he will do everything possible within his jurisdiction to clear Kaushal by having a closer look at his data.

When asked whether Kaushal will be considered for selection for the West Indies series Wijegunawardena replied in the affirmative saying that he (Kaushal) bowls the off spinner pretty effectively although he has been barred from bowling the ‘doosra’.

“Besides Kaushal refraining from bowling the ‘doosra’ he is capable enough to trouble the batsmen with his off spin alone”, said Wijegunawardena.

Wijegunawardene was positive about the future of Sri Lankan cricket as many young players are emerging. He was impressed by the Sri Lankan A team’s current performance in New Zealand saying that the policy is to make use of every opportunity and try to groom players and expose them to compete at the highest level giving them the international exposure which they are lacking at present.

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 15 man squad led by Lahiru Thirimanne called the Board President’s X1 to meet the touring West Indies in a three-day match at the SSC ground from October 8 to 10.

The rest of the players are Udara Jayasundera, Kusal Mendis, Minodh Bhanuka (WK), Milinda Siriwardene, Angelo Jayasinghe, Sachith Pathirana, Suraj Randev, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Milantha, Lasanda Rukmal, Kasun Madusanka and Sahan Nanayakkara.