Ashantha - true qualities of a real sportsman

By A.C De Silva

TRUE SPORTSMAN: Former Sri Lanka Test cricketer and selector Ashantha Lakdasa Francis de Mel, one of the finest quick bowlers produced by Sri Lanka, was lucky to reach the top level of the game just when Sri Lanka won the battle to be with the elite group to be playing Test cricket.

Ashantha de Mel is now 52 years old. He has played 17 Test matches, 57 one-day internationals and 42 first class matches.

Over the course of his career, Ashantha de Mel has scored 326 runs in Tests, and 466 runs in one-day internationals. Ashantha de Mel has also taken 59 wickets in his Test career.

A haul of 4 for 70 in England's first innings in Sri Lanka's first official Test against England at the Saravanamuttu Stadium in February 1982 was a good baptism for him. In that first game, he had a wicket in the second innings to have five in all. He opened the bowling then with Bandula Warnapura, but Sri Lanka lost that game by eight wickets.

Earlier he made his debut in big-time cricket in 1981 against Australia and also toured England and Test status came Sri Lanka's way after that. Before coming on to the Test scene, he first played for Isipathana and then for Royal College and his capabilities got him into the Sri Lanka Test team. By the time Sri Lanka played Test cricket in 1982, the 22-year-old was Sri Lanka's leading fast bowling hope.

At the 1983 World Cup in England, it was Ashantha de Mel demolished New Zealand with 5 for 32 at Derbyshire. Sri Lanka won that match and de Mel was named Man of the Match.

In 1987, after the World Cup, he was compelled to bid adios to cricket, due to a knee injury. He was just 27 years. He said that a total recovery after surgery would have taken him about three years. So, he decided to "call it a day."

In the English conditions, de Mel could match any of the seamers in the tournament. He invariably took wickets with his first spell. His athletic, sideways-on action was reminiscent of Dennis Lillee, though de Mel lacked the Australian build. If the denial of his rightful status as the '83 World Cup's highest wicket-taker was a gross injustice, de Mel was sought to redress injustice in his new role as the chairman of selectors. As a selector, de Mel has applied the same qualities that made such a successful player. He has been decisive and aggressive. When he restored Sanath Jayasuriya to the squad, de Mel added the experience and exalted talent of one of the definitive players of the modern era. It took a particular blend of outspoken candour and high handed behaviours for Jayasuriya's place to be restored. It was only the abrasive Ashantha de Mel who could deliver this masterstroke. His predecessor Lalith Kaluperuma was a silent character. By forcing Jayasuriya into premature retirement, Kaluperuma deprived the most cherished entertainer of providing fine batting to please one and all.

The impact of Jayasuriya's return on the team prospects has been clearly apparent. Apart from gifted batting, Jayasuriya has provided variety with his horizontal left-arm spin.He also offered the right experience of a wizened player with over 16 years of international cricket behind him.

De Mel's coming back as Chairman of selectors is a true belief of his proper judgement. Irrespective on his future prospects, de Mel will surely provide the team and administration with his true value.