Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh Twice — Away in Bangladesh – and Move to Third in Test Table-by Mahinda Balasuriya
Mahinda Balasuriya in ESPNcricinfo, 3 April 2024, where the title runs thus: “Sri Lanka wrap up 192-run win to complete series sweep”
Source:Thuppahis
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Reflections from Michael Roberts as Editor of Thuppahi, 4 April 2024:
I did not watch the match live nor see any video footage, but dipped into the scores from time to time; and also had the benefit of Brian Thomas’s reviews on Facebook. Note that Sri Lanka batted first and piled up a mammoth score of %00 runs in their first innings and then bowled out Bangladesh for 178 runs; then chose not to enforce the follow-on, but struggled to 157 for 7 wkts in the second innings before declaring. Bangladesh made a spirited 318 runs in their second dig, but had too high a moutain to climb ….
One cannot underestimate this set of victories playing away from home. Well done, Sri Lankan men, coach Silverwood and supporting staff.
But WHAT were the significant performances and aspects of the Second Test?
A: Clearly, the first innings total of 531 runs spearheaded by batsmen 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 making 50 or more was the basic foundation for this victory.
B: The bowlers backed this up with an outstanding effort to dismiss Bangladesh for 178 runs ….with both medium-pacemen and spinners chipping in.
C: I have always considered Lahiru Kumara to be quite pacey, but a genial fool (and a Trintian at that) whose contributions are as iffy as sporadic. Well, he seems to have shattered my stumps in this match. Well done, Lahiru: 2 for 19 in 11overs in the first dig; and 4 wkts for 50 runs in the second displays an outtanding set of contributions.
D: No one can take issue with Kamindu Mendis (another product of Richmond College) being selected as Man of the Match for his allround performances with both bat and ball.
But let me add pertinent questions … without being able to present answers.
QQ 1: Captaincy: how did Dhanajaya De Silva fare in this regard? His emergence as captain seems to have been due to a new Selection Committee bringing fresh perspectives. As a man from Galle, I am partisan on this issue ….but have always admired Dhananjaya’s amiable disposition (besides his slip fielding and batting).
QQ2: Charitha Asalanka of Richmond College (like Dhananjaya) has expereince as a captain and has, I think, emerged as a mainstay in the 50-over contests. So: should he be slotted into the side? ….instead of one of the oldies Chandimal or Mathews?
QQ3: But…… but ….. What about Pathum Nissanka …… Hasaranga de Silva .…. Mahesh Theekshana? Why are they not part of the Test XI?
I await answers from those privy to the inner workings of the Selection Committee and/or local cricketing news.
