Shamar Joseph and Windies middle order destroy Sri Lanka’s dream of a series sweep in the Caribbean BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (eLanka Sports Editor)
Sri Lanka’s bubble of expectation was rudely burst by a defiant West Indies who took game three and the series 2-1 in Kingston Jamaica.
Sharmar Joseph proved to be the catalyst this time with his continued success with the ball as he ripped through Sri Lanka’s batters to restrict them to a gettable 169.
Shamar had the Sri Lankan batting in all sorts, capatilising on the uneven bounce to grab a match winning 5 for 33 in a remarkable match winning effort.
Joseph was rewarded for consistency by being named Player-of-the-match and player-of-the-series.
Sri Lanka can perhaps reflect on their lack of analysis of Joseph and their counter to his deceptive bowling. But in saying that, it was a team effort that contained a Sri Lanka batting line-up that fell without too much technique.
If not for young Dinuth Wellage’s rearguard fightback with Wannindu Hasarsnga, 21 off 13 which yeilded the best partnershipof 49 off 27 balls,, thing’s could have been a lot worse.
An analysis of the game showed a fierce competitive contest that ebbed and flowed when Sri Lanka tried to defend a target that was not the best when the series was on the line.
They were on track for a while as the bowlers dod their best to stay in the contest until the West Indies middle order exploded into action and smashed their way to victory with just two balls to spare.
They raised the tempo from 4 for 53 in 8.2 overs to 5 for 134 in 16.4 overs setting the stage for a contest, before Holder provided the crash and bang to seal the victory.
Shimron Hetmyer 34 off 19 balls, Sherfane Rutherford 54 off 40 and one day specialist Jason Holder 21 off 5 wretched the game away from Sri Lanka as they scrambled home in a nail biter.
Sri Lanka can take heart from the defeat and return home with a bit of regret about being thwarted from a historic result that on reflection, will be within reach when they cross paths again.
The under par Sri Lankan total brought back memories of the past few years including the World Cup at home, where lack of depth and inconsistent batting proved to be their worst enemy.
Putting a finger on the cause of this was previously a subject of debate and much conjecture about behind the scenes activities.
But it now appears to just be a natural trait that coach Gary Kirstan needs to address among many things including a look at batting depth or lack of it if the front line fails.
Unlike most of the best nations in the world game, Sri Lanka doesn’t appear to have the required depth to fill in critical roles. But certainly not for lack of talent, just who should be drawn into the selection process and who among the emerging talent should be nurtured in the future plans to take their game to the summit.
One thing that is for sure is that Sri Lanka can only prosper going forward with the administrative changes and a replacement of the coach and selection panel.
The signs are already taking shape in the short interim so it’s not all woe and no hope. Just tinkering and shaping the course ahead.
I must admit I have been a critic of the former administrators and the set-up around them. But the new direction can only bring positive results with the team going forward.
