The balance sheet of the ODI Series against Pakistan

To draw up an accurate balance sheet of the benefits and liabilities of the One Day series just concluded between Sri Lanka and Pakistan is not an easy task. Pakistan was the winners 3 games to 2. The major benefit for the Sri Lanka ODI team was the discovery of Milinda Siriwardena. The selectors made the right move by giving the 29-year-old a chance at long last, he has over 5000 first class runs including 7 hundreds under his belt. Yet, till he got this chance he was left high and dry. Milinda showed his abilities in no uncertain terms by clobbering a fifty in mere 25 balls, and partnering Angelo Mathews in a 100 run partnership of 47 balls. He also excelled in the field particularly in the cover region.

Kusal Janith Perera also should definitely be in the benefit column. He was the x-factor in our two victories, at Pallekelle in the 2nd ODI his blitzkrieg innings of 67 made the Pakistani attack look like “The Lambs led to Slaughter” only Yasir Shah escaped because the Pakistani captain did not expose him. In our second victory at Hambantota Kusal Janith blasted at the start but contained himself to extend his innings to go past his hundred. One wonders whether the “Chief Coach’ had a part to play in his new found maturity of the 24year-old daredevil batsman. If he continues in this vane it will be good omen for Sri Lanka. Lahiru Thirimanne switched columns in our Balance Sheet by being an asset than a liability, he averaged only 19 runs in the first two ODI’S. The selectors kept their faith in him, some had their doubts, but Thirimanne left the doubters in no doubt by scoring 90 and 56 in the 3rd and 4th ODI’S.

Since of late Dinesh Chandimal the most talented batsman in the side with quicksilver footwork and possessing all the strokes in the book has being an asset to the Sri Lankan batting line up. Coming late in the order and shepherding the tail enders, and him making runs, averaging 60 runs in the series -- change of attitude towards his batting again could be due to the head coach.

T.M. Dilshan has always been an asset to Sri Lanka cricket and in his very late thirties he continues to do so, which amazes me. The selectors must have thought that Upul Tharanga was a liability in the team and was dropped after two matches, although he was in the winning side. He was also not the swiftest of the fielders and his commitment was also debatable, but his experience in all the formats could valuable in the future.

Angelo Mathews is a big asset to the side as an all-rounder and his captaincy was exposed without the two veterans missing in the field of play, he will improve with time and the other team members will support him as and when he runs short of ideas, particularly when a partnership is building, unfortunately the experienced Pakistani batsman were allowed to build long partnerships, which were detrimental the Sri Lankan cause.

Lasith Malinga who has brought fame and glory to Sri Lanka cricket unfortunately became a liability to the team compelling the selectors to drop him for the final encounter, his match fitness could have being the main issue.His 37 overs in the series cost 246 runs going for more than six runs an overall in all he took only 4 wickets.

Thisara Perera was another liability one feels that his commitment to the game has deserted him; he was a pale shadow of his former self. The authorities concerned should look into the gradual decline of this talented youngster and ensure that the future budding talent should be monitored through the proper channels to put them on the right track. Perera’s 28 overs in the series went for 142 runs, averaging more than 5 runs per over.

He scored 28 runs in 3 innings, averaging less than 9.

Sachitra Senanayake with his remodeled action came good with 3 for 30 in the last match and should be persisted with, his fielding as always was top notch.

As for the Pakistanis, they fielded brilliantly and batted better than the Sri Lankans on the whole, with Hafeez, Azhar Ali and Shafraz Ahmed being outstanding, they definitely bowled better with Yasir Shah the little leg spinner being the pick.

Sri Lanka’s fielding was well below par and we understand that we don’t have a permanent coach!! Thilak de Silva

Nugegoda