Can Hathurusingha perform a miracle?

Sri Lanka's Cricket went through a very bad patch during 2017. Many cricket fans were extremely disappointed and lost interest in watching our lads in action. Losing matches became a habit for our National Team. Indeed, 2017 was a dark year for Sri Lanka's Cricket. Who is responsible for this poor performance? Who is to blame for this present reality - the Coach, the Manager, Sri Lanka C r i cke t (SLC), the Selectors, the Players? There is no point in blaming any party for our mediocre performance. Far better to help our players deliver the goods in 2018, from the word go. It is my intention, in this article, to suggest some points to the SLC to ponder upon and hopefully, execute as soon as possible.

1. Let Hathurusingha manage on his own. Others should not interfere with his job. He should be given a free hand regarding matters pertaining to the team. Once he is given the 15 players, he, in consultation with the Captain, should be left to select the final 11. Nobody else should ‘ poke his nose’ into the duties of the Coach. Of course, others can encourage him and provide all the facilities necessary to train the team.

2. The Selectors should always consult the Head Coach before they select the final pool. There should be an understanding between the Coach and the Selectors. If the Selectors do not listen to the Coach and do things on their own, then the Coach may not get the best combination of players to perform well.

3. The modem game contains a batting coach, a bowling coach and a fielding coach. There should be a good rapport between them and they should tell the players the same thing. If this rapport is absent, then the players can become confused and may not give their best to the team. It is my personal opinion that there should be only one coach to handle all departments of the modem game. In such a situation, the players will have to listen to only one person and this will help them play their natural game.

4. Cricket is predominantly a mental game and this means the players must be mentally fit to play the game. If they are not in a good frame of mind, then their performance will not be up to the mark. Sri Lanka's Cricket needs an efficient psychologist who can strengthen the players’ morale and motivate them to deliver the goods, especially when things are not rosy.

5. All our Nat i o n a l Cricketers are professionals. In today’s world, no player will play the game free- of- charge. Consequently, the SLC should pay the players’ dues on time. When the initial contract is signed, each player is promised some amount as his remuneration that amount should be paid on the specific date. If the promised amount is delayed - or not even paid - then the players will not perform well. I know that, ideally, this great game should not be played for money, but the SLC must understand the reality of the situation and act accordingly.

6. There should be regular meetings between the SLC, the Coach, the Manager and the players. At these meetings, all grievances should be thrashed out in a spirit of understanding, and all problems settled amicably and peacefully. If the SLC does not take the trouble to solve the problems of our cricketers, then, expecting them to bring glory to Sri Lanka will remain just a ' pipe dream'.

7. Only well behaved players should be chosen during the selection process. Those individuals who do not attend practice sessions or, who do not report to matches on time, should not be in the team. During matches, players must take adequate rest and avoid attending late night parties. On the day before the match, they must ‘hit the pillow’ by 9 pm. Only well disciplined players will be able to give 100% to the team. Any undisciplined player must be eliminated.

8. Playing cricket at home and playing cricket abroad are two different things. Players must be prepared to show their colours equally well, whether at home or away. This is not an easy task. In such situations, the coach has a big role to play. I am sure that Hathurusinghe knows about it and therefore, he must train the players accordingly. Any good team will win in their own den as well as on alien soil. I hope our players will achieve every success with our new Coach.

I firmly believe that the SLC must give all the support and encouragement to our Coach so that, he can do his duty. Without interference or criticism, all those concerned with Sri Lanka's Cricket should give the Coach their fullest cooperation. With such support, he will be able to keep the Sri Lanka flag flying high in the Cricket world. If not, then Hathurusinghe will not be able to perform a miracle and recapture our past glories!

Rev. Bro. Nimal Gurusinghe FSC

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