Thursday 9th February, 2006 11 asserts its potential on eve of finals by Rex Clementine have won both matches, but cussedness and not in the role. ri Lanka qualifying for threw the opportunities larger interests of our game. Agents of evil the finals of the VB away after dominating much Without ruffling feathers any And it’s a shame that SSeries would have come of the games. Perth is sup- further with our comments, interested parties have cate- as quite a surprise for many, posed to be the toughest let’s hope he’ll continue to gorised his elevation to the for a week ago it looked as if place in the world for the Sri open in the finals, too. leadership role as some- the tourists were down and Lankans to play , and It was also a wise decision thing that came his way out as rivals South Africa after a disappointing per- by the Interim Committee to after politicisation of events just needed one win in three formance against Australia send Jayasuriya as an addi- leading him to become vice- games to book a place in the in the first game in Perth, Sri tional player after he was of the team. Very lit- finals. After a disappointing Lanka bounced back with a omitted from the Australian tle the public know that series in New Zealand, where better display in the game tour after dislocating the these people who allege him Sri Lanka suffered a humili- against South Africa where shoulder. Jayasuriya has to have campaigned for the ating 4-1 defeat, not many Jayasuriya was again simply proved his worth with a cou- post, are the vey people who would have expected Marvan sensational making 86 in 65 ple of match winning act as agents for the player Atapattu’s side to be in con- balls with nine fours and knocks, and if Sri Lanka is to who was deposed of the tention for the best of three three sixes. But from 137 for beat Australia, he needs to vice-captain’s role. finals in Australia. one in 21 overs, Sri Lanka fire. And for those critics who collapsed in a sensational claimed that he was ageing Psychologicaly Obviously the hard and fashion for no rhyme or rea- and has lost touch, his bat damaging bouncy surfaces in Australia son and were bowled out for has spoken more eloquently Maybe the selectors suited the host nation and 221 in 47.4 overs. than a thousand words. shouldn’t have made Vaas South Africa more than the At that stage it looked as if This is yet another vice-captain while on mid- Sri Lankans. Moreover, the it was curtains for the Sri instance for prophets of tour. But isn’t it ethically fact that Graeme Smith’s Lankans, but Australia doom not to write off sea- right for the members of the side was coming into the thrashed the Proteas in the soned campaigners. team to rally behind him for ODIs after a three-match next two games in the duration of the tour and Test series in Australia made Melbourne and Sydney and Russel Arnold, of course, not expose the chinks in our them favourites to book a then Sri Lanka’s win in has been a disappointment in armours to the opposition? place in the finals. Hobart was sufficient for the series having managed As a result of all this rep- But at the end of the them to get through to the only 158 runs in seven knocks rehensible fracas, Vaas group stage, both visiting finals with just one fifty. He’s been became a virtual loner in teams managed three wins Bandara’s bowling an extremely effective player the team, and obviously suf- each compared to Australia’s feats for the team over the years fering from the trauma six in eight outings. The ‘find’ for Sri Lanka with a ‘team before self ’ atti- inflicted that is affecting his Although both Sri Lanka and during the series was tude that did wonders for Sri bowling somewhat. He has South Africa had the equal Malinga Bandara, who Lanka. handed in his resignation number of wins, Sri Lanka bowled exceptionally well. Throughout the series it from the post on a couple of won two matches with bonus Used as the Super Sub by Sri has been evident that Sri occasions. The fact that his points and that allowed them Lanka on most occasions, Lanka has failed to acceler- form hasn’t been affected to secure a berth in the finals Bandara came into his own ate and Arnold’s failure is much by all these manipula- as South Africa had failed to bowling in tandem with one of the reasons for that. tions is indicative that the get any bonus points in their Murali and made his pres- Both Mahela Jaywardene man is made of sterner wins. ence felt.The spinners were, and , too, stuff. Sri Lanka, it must be Malinga Bandara – Sri Lanka’s new bowling ‘find’. Although Sri Lanka start- of course, largely responsi- have done well with the for- noted owes him a great deal. ed off the series with a heavy ble for Sri Lanka getting Chandana, who has a good age of 20:25. but there’s no point in trying mer vice-captain scoring 278 Collective defeat at the hands of through to the finals. While record in ODI cricket too, has to back their ‘picks’ with runs with four fifties and the responsibility Australia, they bounced back we expect Murali to pose been vindicated by Bandara, Chairman of Selectors wishy-washy comments. -keeper batsman top- One would also question in the second game with a threats to opposition, who has become a potential- Lalith Kaluperuma’s think- Mubarak, of course, is a ping the aggregate for Sri the timing of coach Tom comfortable victory over Bandara was the surprise match winner for the Sri ing that Mubarak’s excellent nice bloke and oozes with tal- Lanka with 314 runs, with Moody’s comments that the South Africa where Kumar package in the Sri Lankan Lankans on a consistent fielding makes him an auto- ent and may go on to become three fifties. schedule for the VB Series Sangakkara and Super Sub bowling line-up and now has basis. matic choice in the side is a consistent performer for was too tight for the Sri Malinga Bandara starred in the opposition recognising Jehan Mubarak, mean- actually laughable. Although Sri Lanka with exposure. Chaminda Vaas has Lankans. Surely it was a the victory. the youngster as an ominous while, seems to be fortunate Mubarak is a good fielder Opener’s slot bowled admirably and is tough schedule as Sri Lanka Then they trounced threat. in getting an extended run he’s nowhere near the Finally, in the Hobart turning into a left-handed had to play three games in a Australia in Sydney with a Another ‘find’ thrown up with the Sri Lankan side. Andrew Symonds or Ricky game, the Sri Lankan man- Glen McGrath with pinpoint week. But haven’t we been comprehensive win against on the tour for the Sri The tall left-hander has Ponting class, whose throw- agement decided to stick to a accuracy that makes run taught not to complain or the world champions with Lankans is Chamara struggled to find the gaps ins from a distance are spot- format that the entire coun- making extremely hard proffer excuses when we left-handed opener Sanath Kapugedara, who has done and rotate the strike to give on, hitting the stumps, try has been calling for. against him. lose? Jayasuriya tormenting his reasonably well in the limit- the initiative to senior part- invariably causing run-outs There’s no doubt that It’s obvious that he has If Moody was unhappy bunnies with a scintillating ed opportunities he has got ners. Even when he goes for at crucial moments and cut- has to bat struggled with the vice-cap- with the scheduling, he hundred. The opener clob- so far. big hits, they come at a con- ting off 20-25 runs on the at the top of the order and tain’s role with the entire should have complained bered 114 in just 96 deliveries The selectors need to be siderable risk, as he hasn’t field. play the sheet anchor role for team not behind him. Even before the start of the series. and his knock set the stage commended in selecting the stature to clear the If the selectors think that Sri Lanka. But despite the when Atapattu is absent on When he begins complain- for another massive Sri Kapugedara, after a handful boundary cleanly. Mubarak younger players like continuous failures in our the field, it’s obvious that ing at a time when Sri Lanka Lankan win, this time by 51 of first class games, for the has taken part in all eight Mubarak, Kapugedara or opening batting combina- instead of Vaas, it is the oth- seems to be becoming a seri- runs. senior league. Their decision matches of the VB Series so need to be tions, the Sri Lankan captain ers who call the shots in al loser, it certainly seems to Then they proceeded to to persist with Bandara at far and has managed only a given an extended run to continues to bat in the mid- field placing and bowling be a case of wriggling out of Adelaide, where they should the expense of Upul measly 162 runs at an aver- prove their worth, that’s fine, dle order. This is sheer changes undermining his collective responsibility.

‘Champion of India win by eight St. Joseph’s retain Gilmour Jayasuriya Trophy by Reemus Fernando with 64. Win for Sri Rahula Ananda 271 for 9 and 176 for 7 at MacLennan25. A. Ahmed St. Joseph’s College retained the by Rukshan Razak, Kandy corr Champions’ 4/25 Gilmour Jayasuriya Trophy after their close (R. Wijetunga 64, G. Rupasinghe 35 Sri Rahula College, Katugastota, India 115/2 (19 overs) C. 102nd inter-school cricket fixture against n.o, R. Kern 2/31, P. Abeyseka 2/33) defeated Asoka Vidyalaya, Maradana by Pujara 47, R. Shukla 45* S. Thomas’ College ended in draw at Wesley (46 for 1 overnight) 195 seven wickets to register an outright victo- (Shakthi Siriratne 24, A. Liyanage 37, R. semis today India won by eight wick- Mount Lavinia yesterday. ry, in their inter-school cricket tournament Kern 28, I. Jayaratne 32, N. Dabare 4/37, ets However, St. Joseph’s won major hon- match that came to an end at Prison A. Athulathmudali 3/29) by Champika Fernando Ireland go down ours. grounds in Mahara on Tuesday. Negombo Youth SC, Ratnam SC, Replying to the Josephians’ first Having bowled out Asoka Vidayala for fighting innings total of 310 for 7 declared, the Blue Star SC and Navy SC are set for Aruna captures 7-60 for 82 Sri Rahula made 118. In their second England beat Ireland by Thomians could muster only 216. Sashika today’s semi-final ‘Champion of Dharmasoka essay Maradana lads managed only 76. just four runs in their Pussegolla and Ashan Peiris hit half cen- Champions’ Trophy to be worked off Sri Rahula achieved the victory target of 42 under-19 Cricket World Cup turies. at the Sugathadasa Stadium. fixture played at the CCC The inter-school cricket encounter for the loss of three wickets with four overs India cruised to yet In their second essay St. Joseph’s In the first knock-out, defending grounds. The Irish, one of between Dharmasoka College, to spare. another comprehensive win made 186 for 5 at close with Anton de Segment ‘A’ KIT Premier League the six associate member Ambalangoda and Dharmapala College, Asoka Vidyalaya 82 in 49.3 overs (D. in the ICC Under-19 Cricket Livera compiling another half century. teams in the competition Pannipitiya ended in a draw at UC Hettiarachchi 36; M. Bototage 2 for 25, champions Negombo Youth will bat- World Cup when they beat All three awards went to Josephians. fought gallantly after grounds, Ambalangoda yesterday. Asela Gunaratne 3 for 27, D. Bandara 2 for tle it out against Segment ‘B’ League minnows Scotland by eight Anton de Livera was adjudged the best restricting the English for Dharmasoka batting first scored 272 17) and 76 in 61.2 overs ( C. Sampath 23; champions Navy SC, while in the sec- wickets at R. Premadasa batsman while Sameera Weerasinghe 214 and were bowled out for for 8 wickets declared and Dharmapala M. Jayawaradana 2 for 10, D. Bandara 2 ond semi finals, Segment ‘A’ runners- Stadium yesterday. Having won the best bowler’s award. Man of the 210 in the last ball of their for 18, R. Udayakumara 2 for 5) bowled out the Scots for 112 match was Roshen Silva. replied with 274. In their second innings up Ratnam will meet Blue Star SC. innings. in 40.3 overs after winning St. Joseph’s 310 for 7 declared and Ambalangoda lads were 43 for 2 at close. Sri Rahula 118 in 52.2 overs (C. Negombo Youth are expected to Put into bat, England, the toss in helpful condi- 186 for 5 at close (R. Fernandopulle 43, The highlights of the match were Karunathilake 22, R. Udayakumara 22, have it easy against the Segment ‘B’ who struggled to beat Nepal tions the Indians got home H. Gunathilaka 28, R. Silva 28, A de Emesh Udayanga’s and T. Hewage’s half Asela Gunaratne 38; S. Wijeratne 6 for 33, champs while a tough battle is on the the previous day, managed with eight wickets and more Livera 55, P. Sankalpa 29; L. de Silva centuries for Dharmasoka and C. Nuwan 4 for 13) and 43/3 in 14.5 overs 214 with Hamilton Brown cards in the second semi between than 30 overs in hand. 2/35) Dharmapala respectively and left arm leg (C. Karunathilake 16, Asela Gunaratne 13 and Ben Wright scoring Ratnam SC and Blue Star. For India opener S. Thomas’ (35 for no loss overnight) spinner Aruna Madusanka’s impressive n.o) half-centuries. The first match will kick-off at Chesteshwar Pujara top 216 (S. Pussegolla 57, W. Weerawardena returns of 7/60 for the hosts. Paceman Niall McDarby 4.00 pm., while the second match is scored with an unbeaten 47 32, A. Peiris 52, L. de Silva 24 n.o; R. Dharmasoka 272 for 8 was the pick of the bowlers scheduled to commence at 6.00 pm. in 49 balls with seven fours Silva 3/41, H. Gunathilaka 2/42, S. declared (D. Chandimal 21, N. St. Peter’s College for the Irish as he captured while captain Ravikant Weerasinghe 3/59) Mihira 32, Emesh Udayanga Blue Star are the defending cham- six for 50. Shukla scored less than run Sports Meet tomorrow pions. England, however, man- 55, U. Dharshana 33, L. a ball 45 with seven bound- The winners of his tourney will aged to restrict Ireland for Wesley-Ananda drawn Musheen 32, K. Tharaka 28, aries. receive the prestigious Kit Champion 210. Gary Wilson was the M. Kaushalya 27 n.o.; S. The Inter-House Sports Meet of St. Peter’s Both India and Sri Lanka top scorer for the Irish with Wesley College replying to Ananda Badalgama 3/47, M. College, Colombo will be held tomorrow, at the col- of Champions Trophy and a cash now have four points each 69. College’s 271 for 9 declared, were bowled Wickremasinghe 3/55) and 43 lege ground, commencing 1.00 pm. award of Rs. 250,000 while the run- in two games but with a England 214 all out (49.4 out for 195 as N. Dabare and A. for 2 at close Deputy chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air ner-up get a purse of Rs. 100,000. healthier net run rate the overs) H. Brown 55, B. Athulathmudali shared seven wickets Dharmapala 274 (T. Vice Marshal, Roshan Goonetileke will be the chief The winners of the two semi-finals Indians are on top of the Wright 50. N. McDarby 6/50 between them in their drawn match at Hewage 82, D. Weliwatte 38, T. guest. will clash on February 12 for the points table. Ireland 210 all out (50 Campbell Park yesterday. Kandanarchchi 44, N. Air Vice Marshal Goonetileke had his education at Scotland 112 all out (40.3 ‘Soccer Plum’ at the same venue overs) G. Wilson 69. S. Ananda in their second innings scored Balasuriya 37, R. Madusanka St. Peter’s College and excelled at rugby, basketball, overs) U. Mohammed 32*, S. under lights at 6.00 pm. Mullaney 3/15. 176 for 7 with R. Wijetunga top scoring 34; Aruna Madusanka 7/60) swimming and athletics.