England outsmart pathetic Sri Lanka for a historic clean sweep. But questions surround dismal batting and commitment by the local team? By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
In a comical display of contradiction, Sri Lanka were in a dizzy spin in their own spin friendly conditions as England rubbed the home team into the dust for a comprehensive clean sweep of the T20 series in Pallekelle.
Sri Lanka paceman Dushmantha Chameera rattled the visitors with a devastating performance with tha ball, grabbing 5 for 24 raising spirits and hope of an improbable dead rubber win as England crumbled to an under par 128 for 9 in their allotment.
But quizzically, the usual embarrassment followed, as the now popular saying among Sri Lankan fans, ” the Kandy Perahera” happened, as Sri Lanka’s batters went in a procession before falling short of the target by 12 runs.
Sri Lanka folded for 116 with just five batters reaching low double figures compared to England’s three, on a surface that was totally uncharacteristic to game two which was high scoring. Kusal Mendis top scored with 26 off 26 balls.
There’s some serious undertones to Sri Lanka cricket right now. The hiring of an Indian former batting coach who, at an early stage, appears bereft of ideas to correct or improve technique or mental control of the task at hand, has done nothing to excite their fans before the World Cup which begins a few days from now.
There was also a suggestion that Sri Lanka’s technique against off pace bowling which was heavily used by England, bemused the home team batters who didn’t appear to have a clever counter or proper judgement.
Everything right now points to more than meets the eye behind the scenes of Sri Lanka cricket. My guess is the usual politics and infighting behind closed doors that smacks of political infighting. I could be wrong.
Game three was testament to an unusually disorganised team that was embarrassed at home by England spinners while their own were reduced to second rate in comparison.
Perhaps I may have sensed that the non inclusion of defrocked former skipper Charith Asalanka for this game, may driven a wedge into the system and there’s the smell of mutiny in the air among the playing group? Hypothetical as it seems, it may not be far from the truth and need serious focus if Sri Lanka are not headed to be the laughing stock of the World Cup.
While Dushmantha Chameera ran through England with the spinners having limited success, England’s spinners and part timer Jacob Bethel, strangled the home team batters raising worrying questions about batting technique or lack of application by Sri Lanka’s batters. This makes it intriguing and raises eyebrows about what really ails Sri Lanka cricket.
Chameera 5 for 24 and Matheesha Pathirana 2 for 27, starred with the ball for Sri Lanka while the spinners Theekshana and Wellalage only managed a wicket each.
Jacob Bethel emerged as England’s trump card with his inocous spin grabbing 4 for 11 off 3.3 overs and with Will jacks 3 for 14 off 4 overs and Adil Rashid 1 for 25 completed an unusual Sri Lanka batting capitulation against spin.
Sam Curran proved to be the difference in the end with a cavalier knock of 58 off 48 balls to end up Player-of-the-match and Player-of-the-series after a successful tour. He will be key to England’s campaign in the World Cup.
At this stage, it looks like all doom and gloom for the T20 World Cup, it is worth remembering that Sri Lanka cricket thrives on chaos and confusion. But conversely, are they hedging their bets with the weight of anticipation suggesting they can be a surprise package and the dark horse playing in their backyard.?
History will testify that Sri Lanka’s best moments have been when they were written off. The 1996 World Cup victory is testament to that, where they beat a myriad of unpredictables due to terrorist concerns in Sri Lanka, then upset the fancied Australians who refused to play in Sri Lanka, by crushing them in the final in Lahore, Pakiistan.
The task on hand right now, points to hurried remedial measures, if the horse has not already bolted, to steer a disorganised team into the future after coach Sanath Jayasuriya announced he will step down after the T20 World Cup.
The timing of the announcement begs the question about many things, more so the commitment and interest in making a serious tilt at winning the World Cup. Their first game against Ireland will be interesting, with the current mindset of the team.
My focus on Sri Lanka’s chances is because of an anticipated singular vision. Mine is actually more diversive.
