No excuses however good are acceptable

Sri Lanka stung to the quick by the seven wicket defeat by Pakistan in the first of three one-day internationals, hit back with a vengeance to slap a 129 run defeat on their tormentors in the second game under lights at the National Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.

At the time of writing, the third and final game between the two teams should be a blockbuster. If the Lankans believe in themselves and do the basics required in this style of game right, then there is no reason why they should not lay their hands on the Bank Allfalah Trophy.

Apparently the Lankans would have been a bit put off by the heat in Karachi and with no time to acclimatise would have taken things easy in the first game. But to lose, and lose by a such a big margin would have been anathema to them and woken them from their slumber and so the rejuvenated and telling display by the Lankans to bag the Pakistanis in the second outing.

When the Lankans were done in, in the first game, excuses adduced in favour of the Lankans was that they were playing too much cricket and would be tired.

But while that is true, it must not be forgotten that the players are all professionals. Being such, they should be able to play, because when they play and perform more money comes their way.

Excuses however good are unacceptable, when playing in the big league.

With money being the thing, the players would not want to miss a game because of it. It is here that the selectors at home and the tour selectors come into the frame.

When the triangular series was being played in Australia, their selectors acted sensibly because a lot of cricket was being played by the cricketers and made it a point of giving some of their stars a rest, so as to prevent them from suffering burn out.

Now that policy went down well with the players who were rested and when they came back, had their batteries recharged and they began performing to peak.

True the selectors here do everything for the good of the player, the game and with pride to protect. But it would not be a bad idea to occasionally rest some of the stars and bring them back.

The selectors must especially concentrate on the two spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, Muralitharan always a trier and who is ever willing to serve the cause of cricket has now been bowling for donkeys years. How he must be yearning for a bit of rest.

Mendis who is our future, must also be nursed very carefully. He must not be thrown to the deep end too early in his career that promises so much. He has a lot to offer the game and he must not be made to suffer the fate that befell the goose that laid the golden egg.

To put this scheme into practice, we must have back up players which is so very important. Not to have them would mean to court disaster. And this is something we cannot afford.

Another ugly aspect in our game is that some of the top order batsmen have the knack of getting run out. They run like goats, not having consideration for the other and a valuable wicket is sacrificed.

Getting run out is one of the ugliest aspects and the sooner the batsmen run sensibly and with responsibility it would be good for the team. When the two batsmen are at the wicket, they should know each others running ability.

Batsman 'A' might be able to complete the distance much faster than the other. That does not mean that you should, with the idea of getting to your end and leave the other stranded and sacrificing his wicket. That is being selfish.

Correct running between wickets is taught when one plays in the schools junior team. Apparently some of our batsmen have not been taught this. Sad. Selfishness is what has gone to run out batsmen. Hope we do not see this disgusting aspect again.

During our days our coaches at St. Benidict's College Edward Kelarrt, Bertie Wijesinha and Francis Casiechetty would tell us that if we were to get run out, we should run home and not back to pavilion. Coaches used to be very strict on this.

Then when batting first, the idea must be to run up a big score and put the pressure on the side batting second.

The Lankans failed in this attempt in the first game, realised their mistake, made a big score in the second game that made the Pakistanis throw in the towel even before they took strike.

A big first innings total goes to demoralise the opponents.

It is said that those who dare win. The Lankans dared to plonk in Thilina Kandamby. He obliged. He must be given continuity so that he could maintain consistency.

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Old Bens celebrate

The Old Bens are celebrating their golden Jubilee, conducting a soccer tournament for clubs and schools. Most of the games are played during the weekends on their redeveloped ground at Bloemendhal Road.

The best eight schools and clubs are dribbling for supremacy and the soccer so far witnessed has been top class and as the tournament gathers momentum, more exciting soccer should be the order.

The tournament has attracted good crowd support, which goes to prove that sports fans are deprived of entertainment and for this tournament, crowds are flocking to take in the action.

The Bens, what ever sports tournaments they conduct, have been known to come out best and this tournament should be no different.

Errol Anthony, the former Benedictine striker and national players is the chief organiser, well supported by a committee who see to every detail.

Indications are that when the tournament concludes everyone will sing the praises of the Old Bens for a tournament that was one if not the best.