Ashantha de Mel owes cricketing skills to Makkin Salih

by Leslie FERNANDO

CRICKET: Ashantha de Mel, the Chairman of the Selection Committee, Sri Lanka Cricket and former Chairman of the state owned Ceylon Petroleum Corporation is a former Sri Lanka Cricketer who was the leading pace bowler when Sri Lanka received Test status.

De Mel, born on May 9, 1959 in Colombo is right-handed batsman and right arm medium paceman who first played for Isipathana and later Royal College. After his stint in the schools he turned out for SSC and latter for Moors SC.

Actually, De Mel played competitive cricket first for Peterson Playground SC, Wellawatte in division three cricket (Daily News Trophy). It was former Ceylon opening batsman Makkin Salih of Moors SC fame who was the Playground Instructor in charge of Peterson Playground who spotted De Mel and developed his skills.

When contacted while on duty in England with the Sri Lanka team, De Mel conformed that Makkin Salih was the person responsible in his progress in cricket and "I am very grateful to him", De Mel said. De Mel played in 17 Test matches.

His Test debut-Sri Lanka v England in 1982 at Sara Stadium, Last Test Sri Lanka v India at Kanpur in 1986, ODI debut-Sri Lanka v England at SSC in 1982, last ODI-Sri Lanka v England at Pune in 1987.

He has toured Pakistan in 1982 and 1985, India 1982-97, Zimbabwe 1982, Australia and New Zealand 1982-83, Australia 1984-85, England 1981 and 1984, Sharja 1984 and 1986.

His career statistics; Tests played 17 matches scored 326 runs at an average of 14.17, top score of 34 runs, bowled 586.2 balls, claimed 59 wickets at an average of 36.94,5 wickets in a innings thrice best bowling 6 for 109 held 9 catches.

One Day International played 57 matches scored 466 runs average of 14.56, top score 36, balls bowled 455.5 balls, claimed 59 wickets average 37.91,5 wickets in innings 2, best bowling 5 for 32 and held 13 catches.

One of his better displays in Tests came in the 1985 Test against India.

The Indian team batted first but De Mel ran through the Indian middle order and had the wickets of Ravi Shastri, Kapil Dev and Dilip Vengsarkar and ended with 5 for 64. Sri Lanka led by 129 runs on first innings but De Mel failed to take a wicket in the second innings and the match ended in a draw.

His career ended in 1987 due to a knee injury but he continued within the Sri Lankan cricket system and was appointed head of selectors in May 2004.

Besides being involved heavily on the cricket scene, Ashantha also took an active part as in playing Bridge and represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games.