Sri Lanka should use all-round armoury
The recent matches played by the Sri Lankan cricket team signify a return to their traditional style of play, believes former batting great Sanath Jayasuriya. Both the solitary Test against Afghanistan at the SSC ground and the inaugural ODI at Pallekele showcased the classic Sri Lankan cricketing approach that has been revered for ages. Sri Lanka secured a commanding victory in the lone Test, triumphing over Afghanistan by 10 wickets, followed by a 42-run win in the first ODI on the back of Pathum Nissanka’s record double ton.
This resurgence brings hope to both the team and its supporters as they aspire for success on the global stage. It demonstrates their ability to revert to their traditional style of play.
However, ahead of the second ODI at the Pallekele Stadium, Sri Lanka must address two crucial areas. Firstly, the top-order batters need to contribute by bowling a few overs when required, reminiscent of the good old days. Secondly, the role of the allrounders must be underscored, urging them to make significant contributions either with the bat or the ball as the situation demands.
These are pivotal areas that demand immediate attention. Yet, if the team management allows players to remain in their comfort zones, they will fail to reach their full potential. It is incumbent upon the team management to challenge them and provide opportunities for growth.
The current Afghanistan team has proven their mettle, bouncing back admirably despite early setbacks. Their remarkable 242-run partnership for the sixth wicket in the face of adversity instilled confidence in their ability to stage a comeback.
Of particular note were Azmathulla Omerzai, who remained unbeaten on 149, and Mohammed Nabi, who earlier contributed with the ball and later showcased his batting prowess with a century. Their performances underscore Afghanistan’s resilience.
However, Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis does not set unrealistic expectations for his bowlers. While recognising the talents of all-rounders like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Chamika Karunaratne, he emphasises their diverse roles within the team. He believes that success as an all-rounder is not solely defined by centuries or five-wicket hauls but by consistent contributions with both bat and ball.
This highlights the need for Sri Lankan team management to take charge and push players out of their comfort zones. The current ODI squad boasts several batters capable of bowling, yet their potential remains underutilised, particularly in critical situations.
Looking back at history, Sanath Jayasuriya’s journey serves as an inspiration. His dedication to improving his bowling skills, as demanded by team manager Duleep Mendis, ultimately paid off with notable performances, including crucial contributions to Sri Lanka’s Test victories.
As Sri Lanka prepares for their upcoming encounter, uncertainties linger regarding the availability of pacer Dushmantha Chameera. His fitness will be assessed based on medical reports, with Kasun Rajitha likely to step in if needed.
Despite challenges, Sri Lanka leads the three-match series 1-0, underscoring their potential for success in the remaining matches.
In the current ODI squad, there are four batters who can bowl a few overs for the team, but none of them are being used properly, even in a crisis situation.
On Friday night at Pallekele, Janith Liyanage was given the ball in the 37th over, when Afghanistan’s scoreboard was at 220 for 5. The sixth wicket partnership was already at 165, while Liyanage and Charith Asalanka were only fielding and throwing it to the wicketkeeper Mendis. Asalanka was given the ball in the next over to complete Chameera’s over, and the stocky right-arm off-spinner sent down a mere three deliveries.
With Liyanage and Asalanka around, Test skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis will also make their way into the ODI team sooner than later. Then, why don’t push these batters to bowl?
In 1993, before England toured Sri Lanka, Sanath Jayasuriya was walking around after his batting session in the net. At an unexpected moment, team manager and coach Duleep Mendis called Jayasuriya and blasted him before ordering him to go to the nets again and start bowling.
“Every day, after your batting session, you must bowl for at least an hour. Otherwise, get out of my sight and go home,” Duleep Mendis told Jayasuriya.
In the only Test at the SSC in 1993, Jayasuriya claimed two for 46 in the second
innings. The ball he used to dismiss Robin Smith is still remembered. On the next day, it was the only ball he received in the second innings, but Jayasuriya hoisted Phil Tufnell over the mid-wicket fence. Thus, Sri Lanka registered their first-ever Test win against the old masters of the game.
Two days later, at the Moratuwa Stadium, England was all out for 180 as Jaysuriya claimed 6 for 29. Sri Lanka won the match by 8 wickets. When the master blaster retired in 2011, Jayasuriya (323) had more ODI wickets than Shane Warne (293).
As per today’s encounter, Sri Lanka is likely to field the same team. Pacer Chameera was sent for an MRI scan yesterday, and his situation will be assessed after the medical reports.
Chameera stepped out of bowling on Friday after sending down 7.3 overs and claiming 2 for 55. He was bowling well until his quadriceps muscle started to trouble him. In the event of Chameera being unavailable, Sri Lanka is likely to bring in Kasun Rajitha. Sri Lanka is leading the three-match series 1-0