Sri Lanka selectors make calculated risk on an improving squad much in line for their unorthodox game plan – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE (Elanka Sports Editor)
Sanity has finally prevailed as Sri Lanka’s cricket selectors boldly shunned and thumbed their noses at the call for Skipper Dasun Shanaka’s sacking and stuck with a recently proven outfit for the World Cup in India.
Yes, ramifications could be diabolical if the plan backfires, but it does make sense to stick with an outfit that has jelled in a way.
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Fourteen wins from 16 games is no mean feat although expert commentators claim that most of those wins were against ‘minnows ‘. That term has little relevance and no place in cricketing parlance anymore. This World Cup will reveal that.
Informed sources say that Shanaka was given the choice of resigning and accepted it. But in true Sri Lankan fashion, a flurry of cross thinking and behind the scenes activity saw a vote in favour of the successful Sri Lanka Captain retaining his place in the side. Their performance will reveal if the logic has merit.
For those who fail to comprehend Sri Lankan psyche, it is not a first time in its cricketing history that outrageous decisions have cost brilliant cricketers their careers. Some others have benefited from it.
Throughout history, and even at the country’s pedestal, their solitary World Cup win in 1996, Sri Lanka have been known and respected for thinking outside the box.
What the rest of the world does, has had not, and will not have a following by Sri Lanka’s mindset. They seriously cannot mimic the world, most of whom have much more depth and a different thought process than what the Island nation does.
So, horses for courses appears to be the mindset. It has reaped rewards more times than not. Their record since receiving Test status in 1982 bears ample testimony to that.
Sri Lanka’s record boasts an enviable record in most formats. More than several countries that have played the game at the highest level before they were accepted to the big time.
Obviously the pressure to perform is on this squad. Anything less than respect will demand dramatic changes.
My personal take on this is that the declared squad could be enhanced by the inclusion of a couple of wise heads to handle pressure situations better than they did in the Asia Cup final.
The return of Angelo Matthews for what must be his swansong is a pertinent decision and Maheesh Theeksheena from a hamstring strain will endorse my earlier belief.
Mahela Jayawardena and a few others in the glory days have been testament to that in the past. Against higher quality opposition in the World Cup, this could be pivotal to their chances to impress.
The continued absence of Key players, Dushmantha Chameera Wanindu Hasarsnga De Silva, Madushanka and Maheesh Theeksheena is a big blow to a country that can unsettle the best. But filling those voids has see the emergence of some plucky youngsters, particularly Dinuth Wellelage who will be a handful to the best.
Coach Chris Silverwood who appears to be powerless about Sri Lanka’s behind the scenes activity, seems adamant that his job is heading in the right direction in all formats as the country battles to regain the respect and recognition it had about a decade ago. Only provided there is no interference from those with vested interests and hidden agendas will his projection and objectives be achievable.
The current talent has the goods to deliver just that, as they mature.
What has been disconcerting though is the division between fans and administrators past and present which is hindering their progress.
Politics and political interference has been a trademark of Sri Lanka cricket and there’s no signs of it wavering on the horizon. It is also why the country has slumped to a low that is asphyxiating.
A well orchestrated exercise of CPR is its only recourse that can bring back the refreshing life and excitement this country has given the world in the past.
Their fans and dedicated administrators hold the key in this respect.
