The Island sports

Warnapura, Dinuk lead fightback: S. Africa ‘A’ 332/8

Channaka de Silva reporting from Matara
Left arm spinner Dinuk Hettiarachchi and seamer Malintha Warnapura led an inspiring fight back capturing five wickets for three runs to push Sri Lanka 'A' back into reckoning after H. D. Ackerman hit his second consecutive century to help South Africa to a formidable position in the third and final unofficial cricket test's second day here at Uyanwatte Stadium yesterday. By stumps on the abbreviated second day where only 65 overs were bowled, South Africa 'A' were 332 for 8 in their first innings, having won the toss and batted first.

Hettiarachchi, a diminutive left arm spinner with a brisk run up and a quick arm action, bowled a marathon spell before his perseverance finally bore fruit. Having bowled untiringly for 50 overs, he finally ended the day on good figures for 4 for 111.

However, it was young schoolboy Warnapura who should take credit for the South African collapse which saw five wickets tumbling in 10 overs after the visitors had threatened to post a massive first innings total.

Warnapura, more renowned as a hard hitting left hand batsman, and certainly not selected in acknowledgement of his part time bowling, however produced a stunning act finishing the day with excellent figures of 3 for 47 in 22 overs.

It was Warnapura who once again broke a troublesome big partnership which later opened the floodgates of the final collapse.

Skipper Dale Benkenstein was associating Ackerman in a dominating 128-run fourth wicket partnership to bring the total up to 320 for 3 putting the locals in an increasingly difficult position when Warnapura suddenly struck removing Benkenstein for 67.

Benkenstein, who stroked seven boundaries, casually drove Warnapura straight to Indika de Saram at mid on.

Then Hettiarachci got into action two overs later snapping up two wickets, that of Derek Crookes and Nicky Boje, with the total on 327.

In the next over, Warnapura complemented him with the prize wicket of Ackerman who became the third wicket to fall on 327. Ackerman cracked ten boundaries and two sixes, but none after the century in his painstaking eight hour knock. This followed the in-form right hander’s century at Kurunegala in the second unofficial test.

Interestingly it was Warnapura who obtained the breakthrough on the opening day as well when Ackerman and Martin Van Jaarsveld put on 127 for the third wicket to do the initial domination.

By close South Africans, who were 285 for 3 at tea, had fell to 332 for 8, losing the last five wickets for 12 runs in 13 overs, before bad light halted play 11 overs before close.

Earlier, heavy overnight rains which had seeped through a leak in the cover held up play till after lunch when South Africans resumed on 194 for 3.

SOUTH AFRICA 'A'

First Innings (194 for 3 overnight)

MARK BRUYNS ct. Samaraweera b. Upashantha 16
LOOTS BOSMAN b Hettiarachchi 31
H. D. ACKERMAN ct L de Silva b. Warnapura 146
MARTIN VAN JAA RSVELD st. L. de Silva b. Warnapura 55
DALE BENKENSTEIN ct. de Saram b. Warnapura 67
DEREK CROOKES ct. Gunawardena b Hettiarachchi 3
NICKY BOJE b Hettiarachchi 0
NICK POTHAS not out 2
HERMAN BAKKES ct L de Silva b Hettiarachchi 2
CLAUDE HENDERSON not out 1
EXTRAS (lb-2,nb-7) 9

TOTAL (For 8 wkts at close in 14 overs) 332

FALL OF WICKETS; 1-39 (Bruyns), 2-65 (Bosman), 3-192 (Jaarsveld), 4-320 (Benkenstein), 5-327 (Crookes), 6-327 (Boje), 7-327 (Ackerman), 8-330 (Bakkes)

DID NOT BAT: Henry Williams

BOWLING: Indika Gallage 25-6-57-0, Eric Upashantha 19-6-48-1, Batheesha de Silva 21-2-59-0, Dinuk Hettiarachchi 50-15-111-4, Malintha Warnapura 22-4-47-3, Upeka Fernando 4-0-8-0.

Interview with Sri Lankan skipper
'Administrators should consult players before taking decisions'

From Sujeeva Nivunhella our London Corr.
Sri Lanka cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga in an interview given to 'The Sunday Island' here in London said, "the so called vision 2000 to become the best Test playing nation in the world was only an idea of an ex-president of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board." Criticising the idea he said, "some administrative officers were making decisions from air conditioned rooms and that they didn't understand the difficulties the players are having on the pitch." He further said that "before becoming the best Test playing nation, we need to find good fast bowlers."

He also said that he wants to play for the country after the next World Cup in 1999 but he has not yet decided whether to keep the captaincy.

Since almost all the tickets have been sold for the one day triangular series with England and South Africa, Arjuna requested the Sri Lankans living in England to come for the solitary Test match against England played at the Oval Cricket Ground from August 27 and support them.

Excerpts of the interview:

(Q): There were some news reports that you will retire from the game soon. Is there any truth in it?

(A): I am thinking of stepping down from the captaincy after the next World Cup. I am doing the necessary exercises to keep myself fit. Then I will be able to play even after the World Cup. But, I haven't decided yet whether to keep the captaincy beyond the next World Cup.

(Q): You have been holding the captaincy for a very long time. What changes can you see from the time you were appointed captain and now?

(A): We had a good side then. But now we are playing like brothers and we are playing like a team. We are a committed team now. We think more about the country than our personal family lives. Being the captain that team spirit helpd me to develop the game.

(A): This was an ambition of one of our ex-presidents in the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. Before delivering such statements these people should consult present and past cricketers. But what happens most of the time is our administrative officers take decisions from their air-conditioned rooms without knowing the difficulties we are facing on the pitch. To win Test matches we need good bowlers. We are lacking the services of good fast bowlers. We are trying to develop a few young cricketers as fast bowlers. As the captain I know it will take quite sometime before we become the best Test playing nation.

(Q): One of the England Cricket Board members had said in an interview that the Sri Lankan team is not glamorous enough to warrant three Tests here in England. What have you to say to that?

(A): I think the person who said that may not know much about cricket. When we played our three-Test match series against Australia, we played one match on Boxing day. More than 80,000 people turned up on that day to watch the match. I don't think there would have been that number of spectators in all five days when England played in Australia. "People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones".

(Q): It looks like Sanath Jayasuriya is out of form these days. Are you concerned about that?

(A): Sanath is a very talented player. All good players go through a bad period occasionally. Sanath got a good half-century against Worcestershire. Sanath and Aravinda normally don't let us down in important matches. I am not worried about him.

(Q): Our biggest problem is lack of genuine fast bowlers. Has the Sri Lanka Cricket Board taken any steps to rectify this?

(A): Yes, the biggest problem I am facing right now is the lack of fast bowlers. I hope Chaminda Vaas can join us during this tour. There is an institution called MRF in India. They help us to train our fast bowlers. I don't know how long it will take for us to get good genuine fast bowlers to the side. I believe we can overcome this problem in the near future.

(Q): According to information we have, the England Cricket Board has not been treating our team well. Why is that?

(A): We are here to play cricket for our country. Even if there are any shortcomings we don't let our standards deteriorate. We let our manager handle that side. Being professional cricketers our job is to win for our country irrespective of the facilities provided for us.

(Q): Sri Lankans living in England are very happy to welcome our world champions. What message have you got for them?

(A): Cricket pundits in England say people are not coming to see matches we play. I am happy to say that tickets for the matches we are playing in are almost sold out. Tickets for the match between England and South Africa are not selling that well at present. I request our Sri Lankan friends to come for the Test match to be played at the Oval from August 27 and support us.

(Q): After Sri Lanka became the World Champions, do you think you are under more pressure when you play a foreign team?

(A): Yes. When we play as the world champions there is some pressure on us. Because being world champions, people expect us to win each and every match. Players were under tremendous pressure in the first six months after the world cup. Gradually players understood that just because we are the world champions we can not win each and every game. During the last one and half years, our players have learned not to think too much about it.

(Q): How confident are you that you can win this triangular series?

(A): It is very important for us to win this triangular series. We have the potential to win it. But being a cricketer, I will be a fool, if I tell you we are definitely going to win. The best team on the day will win.

(Q): Next World Cup will be played here in England. What are our chances of retaining the cup?

(A): If it was played in India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka our chances of winning again would be high. It will be difficult for us to get used to the pitches and the conditions in England. On this tour we are trying to get acclimatised to the conditions here and also trying to get the right combination for the World Cup.

(Q): Are you considered a 'tough' or 'soft' captain by the members of your team?

(A): To my players, I am more an elder brother than a captain. If I see any wrong doing I will point it out. I don't have any problems from any of my players. They are not trouble makers. Junior players are happy to share the experience of the other senior players. This helps me to carry on my captaincy to the best advantage.

(Q): There was a rumour that when you retire from cricket you might become a politician. Is there any truth in it?

(A): My father and my brother are involved in politics. I think two members from one family will be enough. When I retire from cricket my plan is to do something that will help to develop the game.

(Q): In the year 2000 Sri Lanka is trying to become the best Test nation. There are only two years left. Is everything working according to plan?

(A): "That was an idea of an ex-president of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board. Before making such statement, players should be consulted and decisions taken. Some administrators make decisions from air conditioned rooms. But they don't understand the difficulties faced by players. We have a shortage of good fast bowlers. Before becoming the best Test playing nation, we need to find good fast bowlers."

Muscle and limb harmonise with the waters

by Srian Obeyesekere
Pony tailed, the muscle rippled, lanky frame harmonising with the rippling waters from the gushing winds ideally lend to that champion image Thusal Gunawardene has built surfing. The sun, sea and sand that speak for that well tanned looming complexion. Of an all familiar sight of man and sail in the distant horizon or about to reach shore.

Thusal Gunawardena
Champion of waters

It is a life of years related with a sailing board and the rough waters that has propelled 27-year-old Thusal Gunawardene the lad from the tropical sea resort town that is Beruwala to success in his field. The local surfing champion of the waters perhaps best demonstrated his domination of the sport during the last five years when his experience prevailed over stiff opposition at the recent Midsummer Windsurfing Championships at the Seeduwa lagoon on his way to the laurels.

Thusal's career opened up when his talent was spotted and the lad came under the wing of the Windsurfing Association and rose to be our leading windsurfer today. Scaling the riding currents on way to many a trophy has almost become a pastime for Thusal Gunawardene for whom a career in a testing sport of endurance where stamina and skill count began almost 12-years-ago as a starry-eyed youngster through the Sri Lanka Windsurfing Association which broke ground in the sport here. Introducing it for the first time by way of classes at Hotel Riverina where a windsurfing centre was formed.

According to the live wire of Sri Lankan windsurfing, Baron de Livera who has been long associated in developing Thusal's talents as the pioneer of the sport, the prodigy followed in his brother Upali's footsteps in 1986. Upali it was who first took to surfing and went on to put up a training centre in Italy as with time all three brothers were to excel. Thusal went on to compete both locally and internationally and has today set up his own training centre at Serendib Hotel where he is also a full time instructor. He has competed in three international championships in Singapore including the Asian showpiece where he was placed eighth in a field that also comprised the Olympic champion. Thusal's career took a forward leap subsequently following a course in Germany at the Verban Deudsche Windsurfing Schulen, (VDWS), the largest such in that country where he obtained a VDWS certificate to train windsurfers.

What opened the door to windsurfing in Sri Lanka was Baron de Livera's 'brain child' with the Windsurfing Association mooting local championships in collaboration with the Mt. Lavinia Hoteliers Association. Sri Lanka broke ground at international level with the blessings of the European Association based in Frankfurt, Germany.

"This paved the way for Sri Lanka to really come to grips with Windsurfing with the doors opening for local surfers," recalled de Livera in tracing the beginnings.

"It was first foreigners who were drawn to it. But today, windsurfing has become common for locals with the bulk of talent being drawn from those who haunt the tropical beaches," said de Livera.

Dharmadasa replies: alleges another fiasco by BCCSL

The tug-a-war between the former President of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL), Upali Dharmadasa and the current Secretary, Saliya Ahangama where Dharmadasa claimed he received an unsigned letter, continues. Dharmadasa writes in again in reply to Ahangama's letter published in our issue of 8.8.98 titled, 'BCCSL Sec. writes'.

Following is the text of Dharmadasa's letter to Ahangama:

'I read with surprise your reply to the 'Island' on 08.08.1998. In your haste to cover up the omissions on your part you have only succeeded in admitting to the errors made, where you state that the agenda and the annexures had the date and venue you admit that I was not informed. If you have the time to refer to my letter of 5th August, 1998 I have stated that I received only a memo unsigned by you and without the date and venue and not the agenda and annexures.

You however sent an amended notice on 6th August, 1998 at 4 p.m. just the day before the meeting with the details that you now give as being known to me. It was on this notice that I informed you of my inability to attend due to a previous commitment. Let it be so.

The meeting I understand was held, but none of the matters mentioned could be discussed. No proper notice was given and the agenda itself was presented in a misleading manner. Need I stress on my previous note any more when the entire house was convinced of this?

I dread to think what the BCCSL administration would be in a few months when a simple error, when pointed out is swept under the carpet. The Worldtel affair, the Roshan Mahanama issue and now the Secretary's hurry to share a 'Regional Package' down the throats of the members are pointers to what will follow.

Please finalise the accounts as early as possible since the former Treasurer, who has travelled from overseas for a second time, spending his own funds has been put into great inconvenience due to oversights of administration. If each elected official sticks to what they are expected to do to further cricket and cricket alone, most of these commissions and mistakes may not occur."

Royal ‘A’, Wesley ‘A’ joint mini rugby champs

by Ravi Nagahawatte
Royal ‘A’ and Wesley ‘A’ were declared joint champs in the "Daily" Under 13 mini rugby tournament after the scores were deadlocked nill all in the finals which was played at Campbell Park yesterday.

The seventeen minute duration, which included a three minute period of injury time, looked insufficient to produce a result as the game dragged on beyond the normal time with no team making a real effort to break the ice.

Faulty ball handling was the order of the day even though the visiting Trinitians looked a bit sharper as they kept possession for longer periods.

Wesley shrugged off a pathetic display in the first half and appeared to have settled down after the breather. But the team survived many anxious moments in the dying minutes of the second half when Trinity’s last ditch effort tantalisingly failed to bear fruit.

The extra time period too was filled with many incomplete moves and occasional knock- ons.

Hosts Wesley beat Kingswood 7-0 in the semi finals while Trinity overcame home town rivals St . Anthony’s 7-0 to book their berth in the finals.

Nazeem Gaffoor officiated the final.

Royal ‘B’ outplayed St. Lukes 21-0 to win the Group ‘B’ award. Priyantha Gunaratne controlled the game .

The tournament was organised by Wesley College Colombo and was sponsored by "Daily".

REFLECTIONS
C' WEALTH GAMES
Sri Lanka to strike gold in cricket?

Sri Lanka would be in with a great chance of striking gold at the Commonwealth Games with team events being introduced for the first time in the Game's history. Cricket, rugby and netball are the new sports Sri Lanka will compete in at the 15th Commonwealth Games shortly in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. And in cricket perhaps Sri Lanka would have the best opportunity of winning where for the first time the stakes would be a gold medal.

As reigning World Champions Sri Lanka, which is to field a full strength composition, would interestingly be competing with a great chance of taking the gold for its one-day potential

WHY ONLY ONE KANDY PLAYER?

Meanwhile, the inclusion of just one ruggerite from Kandy Sports Club in the rugby pool for the Games has caused a furore in rugby circles.

Kandy Sports Club has been one of the leading clubs on the local scene dominating most championships in recent years. The hill country club has come on top or being runners-up in the last few years with it being either Kandy Sports Club or CR & FC.

This year, Kandy's glamour was soured by the high riding CR & FC. However, that does not mean that Kandy is short of talent. There is an abundance of talent in the side. In the deciding matches it was simply that the better team on third day won.

The dedication of the Kandy ruggerites during the season deserves fitting reward when it comes to picking players or represent the country at international level. Particularly at the Commonwealth Games.

Thus it is hoped the National rugby selectors would reward the Kandy SC players as well where team events have been entered for the first time in the Game's long history.

Antics of our selectors - Duleep Mendis replies

I read with interest the above titled article written by disgruntled element has been whose claim to fame is that he was the first that mooted the idea of a Third Umpire and or neutral umpire.

Mr. Wijesinghe in his article says I did not have the best techniques. This by a person who played cricket way back in the 1950's-60's and who was not even then a Sri Lanka poolist yet with my limited technique, I was good enough to get twin hundreds on a raging turner at the Chepauk Stadium in Madras and nearly got twin hundreds at the Mecca of Cricket Lord's on a seaming track. RESIPSA LOAQUITUR Mr. Wijesinghe.

Only an arrogant foot would think he knows it all. There is nothing wrong in sending Mahanama for correction of his technique to the Australian Academy. Which to my mind is the best in the world. So much so that Shane Warne wanted only Australians to have exclusive use of it. Even Viv Richards used to go to ALF GOVERS Cricket School for guidance. Sidath Wettimuni, who had excellent technique, was sent prior to our English tour of 1984 to the same ALF GOVER School. The results are history. Only you are the laughing stock Mr. Wijesinghe with your frog in the well attitude. Be that asset may, we recommended that Roshan sees a batting coach. Whether it was local or foreign was irrelevant to us. And quite rightly the Board in its wisdom has thought it bit to send Roshan to the best Academy as I said before and - and there's nothing wrong with that.

Much has been said about Mahanama's innings in that Nidahas Trophy final. Undoubtedly a fine innings of great courage in the face of tremendous odds - more so when Mahanama very well knew that he was not selected to tour England. I cannot praise him more.

Having said that I would also like to point out that as selectors we have to pick Horses for courses. Much has also been said as to why Roshan should go. But as Chairman of Selectors, I do not wish to give reasons as to why he was not selected. In fact over the years numerous players including myself, Roy, Ranjan, Arjuna, Hashan, Romesh to name a few have been dropped and never have reasons been given as to why they were dropped or reasons fished for. I am sorry to say this but a great deal of water has flowed under this bridge and Roshan has been used as a pawn by interested parties to suit their own ends and not Sri Lanka cricket and certainly not in the interest of the cricketing career of Roshan Mahanama who has a few more years of cricket left in him.

Mr. Wijesinghe insinuates that on the strength of Roshan's 44 his taking of 100 catches he should have been taken to England. What I would like to point out is that once a team is selected it remains so despite performance by a player who is left out. For instance Romesh Kaluwitharana, who was dropped for the Indian Tour in 1997, scored a brilliant 100 in a practice match after the squad was selected. Yet he did not go on that tour. I need not say any more.

In conclusion, I would like to say I have been a National Cricketer for a period of 20 years, 5 of which I was Captain. I have been the coach of the Sri Lankan Team for a period of two years, Manager of the World Cup winning squad of 1996. If I was upto 'antics' Mr. Wijesinghe I would not have the above credentials in cricket which I am proud of. The person who is upto antics is you so that you could get puerile pleasure by seeing your name in the Sunday paper with the rubbish that you write. Kindly remember that you cannot fool all the people all the time.

Several Teams Abscond
Poor turnout for Inter. Association Netball Championships

By Shirajiv Sirimanne reporting from Embilipitiya
Low team turn out highlighted annual Inter Association Netball championships which commenced at the picturesque Mahaweli Stadium here last morning. Out of the 25 leagues only 13 teams were present.

Though teams from Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa took great pains to attend this event it was very disappointing to note the absence of teams from Matara, Ratnapura, Hambantota and Mahaweli which are in close proximity to the venue. The other teams which absconded were Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Matale, Anuradhapura, Kalutara, Free Trade Zone, NYSC and Kurunegala.

The Deputy President of the Netball Federation Yasmin Dharmaratne when contacted in this regard said that they have decided to call for explanation from these leagues. "We had 24 entries and only half have turned up. So we must find reasons for it" she said.

Meanwhile the President of the Nationalised Services NA, Hyacinth Wijesinghe said that Petroleum Corporation players which were to play for them backed out at the 11th hour."Now we have only 7 players. We have decided to call explanations from them," she said.She added that a six month suspension of Petroleum Netballers are on the cards. "We have to inculcate discipline, she said.

Meanwhile the Mahaweli Dance troupe provided entertainment for the short opening ceremony. H.M. Ranasinghe RPM Mahaweli Walawe Area, and Lional Premasiria, Manager Hatton National Bank Embilipitiya graced the opening ceremony as special invitees.

The finals will be played today and Pavithra Wanniarchchi Deputy Minister will be the chief guest.

RUGBY
Zahira's sweat to tears' rise

by Ravi Nagahawatte
On July 25 a group of twenty-five boys from an educational institute in Maradana made their way to the Sugathadasa Stadium. Their mission was to "bring home" the prestigious President's trophy after the finals that day. However, none of them really knew the enormity of the task which was at hand. The rugby final was between Thurstan and Zahira, and the lads from Maradana made a historic entry in their school's rugby record book which was seventy-eight years old. Not only did they clear their final hurdle with a 11-9 win, they also brought their school on par with the big names of inter-school rugby.

As it is well known to the authorities of the school, that trophy in the knock-out tournament never came to them on a platter. From the first setback suffered early in the season which was a defeat, the path to the top was full of obstacles. And when they were almost there, the weather turned hostile on them with heavy rains spoiling the last minute preparations at practices. "I wanted the boys to have a final work-out before Saturday. But nothing could be done on the best possible day for that which was Thursday as the schools sports meet was on. The players themselves were not so keen on participating, but I told them that it was only a once an year affair and to take part in their individual events. And on Friday morning there was a downpour. However, we booked a van and went to the Petersons ground and had a practice session which was satisfactory.

And at the end of our final work-out the only thing the boys wanted was to get on to the grounds and win", said Zahira's Coach Nazeem Gaffoor, the man behind their success.

Looking back into the past records of this bunch of ruggerites their talents were never in doubt. Official records confirm that it was the same team that won the Under-13 Bowls Trophy that lost in the Cup Championships semi finals in the Under-15 tournament, became runners-up in the Under-17 Knockout Tournament and won the President's Trophy Under-19 Knockout Championship this year. And interestingly, all those teams were captained by Riyas Haniz, the current skipper.

NO GROUND OF THEIR OWN
The team had to undergo many hardships this season and the most annoying thing was that they had no ground of their own as the school playground was under construction. However, the officials at Peterson Sports Club had been good enough to make their grounds available for these lads. "Rizly Illiyas was one official who helped us a lot" recalled Gaffoor. And those three trips a week to Wellawatte had taxed the purses of the not so affluent ones. "There were some players who did not have bus fare to travel to Wellawatte" related the Zahirian coach who also had problems retaining the services of two talented players who had decided to leave school and find employment. "T. S. Sabreen and Malik Miskin lost their fathers a few years back and I persuaded them to continue their careers at school without seeking employment". And today the Zahirian authorities have organised a cricket match in memory of the two players dead parents. And the two teams which battle for that memorial trophy happen to be the past and the present ruggerites of the school.

TEN-DAY RESIDENTIAL CAMP
According to Gaffoor, a past captain of the school, preparations this year began with a ten-day residential coaching camp in 1996. The team had been made to concentrate on rugby and nothing else. And two distinguished old boys of the school, Tony Amit and Ibrahim Hameed had been cautious enough to come and give the young ones a pinch of their knowledge as to the finer points of the game. And off the field there was that guiding hand from principal Ifthikar Ismail eventhough the boys themselves truely know the support they got from the former head of school, professor Furkhan.

PENETRATIVE THREE QUARTER LINE
What took the Zahirians places this year was that penetrative three quarter line. Starting with skipper and centre Riyas Haniz, the line included players of the calibre of M. R. Saldin (fly half), T. S. Sabreen (centre), M. S. M. Fazmy and H. Hameed (wings) while A. R. M. Rinaz and N. Wadood took turns in manning the last line of defence. But it was the forwards who turned the game in their favour in the final showdown.

We did not allow Thurstan to perform, reflected Nazeem running his thoughts back to the final that day.

COACH LOOKS TO LIFT STANDARD HERE
Nazeem, who took this opportunity to thank the school's OBA president, Rashad, Board of Governor, Rumy Amit and S. W. Chang for the assistance given to the team, also had this to say, "with the best of my knowledge I have produced a champion side. As a coach I'd like to lift the standard of Sri Lanka rugby. My aim is to produce national level ruggerites."

THEIR RECORD
The team beat Prince of Wales 30-5, St. Joseph's 18-7, St. Peter's 12-0, Mahanama 23-15, Wesley 15-13, Vidyartha 27-17, Wesley 13-12, but lost to Thurstan 5-8 during the league.

The winning team comprised - J. Rahim, T. Saburdeen, R. Matheem, S. Mashoor, M. Miskin, M. Ziyard, H. Racip, N. Ale, T. S. Cuncheer, M. R. Saldin, M. S. Fazmy, T. S. Sabreen, R. Haniz (Captain), H. Hameed, A. R. M. Rinaz, N. Wadood.

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Powers of Third Umpire to be extended?

Mahinda Wijesinghe
The origin of the Third Umpire is shrouded in mystery. That it was the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka who first proposed this concept to the government body of international cricket, the International Cricket Council, way back in 1984, only a handful knows. Our mediamen who have access to international forums, such as radio and TV commentators, have ensured that the mystery continues. A jealously guarded secret, one might say. But, that is another story. Five years after the Third Umpire came into use, there is now a cry for its extended use. Is it justifiable?

THE UMPIRING DEBACLES IN ENGLAND
The cry has probably originated after some of the umpiring debacles that occurred during the current England v South Africa series. One particular decision that irked the South Africans concerned the reprieve given to English batsman Mike Atherton. Slow-motion replays suggested that Atherton had gloved the ball off an Allan Donald delivery on its way to wicket-keeper Boucher. Not given out, Atherton who was on 27 at that time, piloted England safely to the victory target of 247. Writing in his newspaper column, the recently deposed England Captain, stated: "It was short, quick and at me. I've got into an almighty tangle. Big, big appeal. Not out. He (Donald) looked upset, they all looked upset... Somebody turned the radiator up - it's hot out here! Abuse from the fielders between overs. To be expected. This is Test cricket. Give some back" Shades of the Dickensian character Alfred Jingle. But, Atherton does not give away the show either way. Similarly, Jonty Rhodes would not have been given out if the umpire had the benefit of seeing a close up of the ball going off his pad (and not bat) to England wicket-keeper captain, Alec Stewart. Reportedly, decisions against Gary Kirsten and Jacques Kallis also may not have passed muster.

KITCHEN PRODUCES THE HEAT IN THE MIDDLE
The umpire in the middle of this controversy is English umpire Mervyn Kitchen, former Somerset left-hand batsman who played first-class cricket for almost two decades ending in 1979. Allan Donald, the fiery South African opening bowler said that Kitchen "had a couple of shockers that affected the course of the game". Donald has been fined and given a one-match ban, suspended for an year, for his criticism of umpire Kitchen. It used to be the general consensus of opinion that most English umpires, having played the game at first-class levels themselves, are the best in the business. So much so, that in the 20-man panel of umpires appointed by the I.C.C. there are 4 members from England while each of the other 8 Test-playing countries nominate two. However, opinions have now changed. Most feel that English umpires do not deserve such respect while some of the younger Test-playing nations cannot even boast of two competent umpires. The main reason being the undue pressure exerted on the umpires by excessive appealing by the players.

WOOLMER DOUSES THAT HEAT IN KITCHEN
As respected English writer Colin Bryden wrote about the standard of umpiring in the current England v South African series, in the London Sunday Times. "Rarely can there have been such extreme examples of poor decisions influencing a result." Mind you, this is after their own team had benefited. Yet, South African coach, Bob Woolmer dismissed the issue; "It's been a traumatic week for umpires but we lost the Test match because we batted badly in the second innings not because of the umpiring... it's horrible to hear Merv Kitchen saying he doesn't want to do this. No one wants to hear that his career may be over because of the pressure he is under. We have got to find ways of helping him, helping everybody. We are all in it together." Noble words indeed. It was the self-same Woolmer who made some shocking statements about Sri Lankan umpires whilst his team was on tour here, a couple of years ago. However, soon after, he made similar statements about umpires during a Test series in South Africa, and Match Referee Clive Lloyd promptly fined him! Apparently, Woolmer has now learnt his lesson.

SOUTH AFRICA TAKES CREDIT DUE TO SRI LANKA?
"We have got to find ways of helping... everybody", says Woolmer. How, is the question. As Colin Bryden wrote. "When South Africa introduced the Third Umpire during the series against India in 1992-93 (that Sri Lanka proposed the identical plan to the I.C.C. almost a decade earlier is completely overlooked.(MW) there were world-wide misgivings. These have largely been allayed. Far from detracting from the game, third umpire decisions have added to its drama," Recently, the introduction of replays where the Third Umpire has been called upon to adjudicate on boundary-line decisions and catches - when possible - has added on to his responsibilities.

THE TWO DIMENSIONAL CAMERA - CAN IT HELP?
If more responsibilities are heaped on the Third Umpire many questions would arise. Firstly, the field umpires' importance would be further reduced. More reliance on the Third Umpire could result in the field umpire shirking his normal responsibilities. In any event, since the camera is still two-dimensional, it is the field umpires' three-dimensional human eye that can discern whether, for instance, the bat was actually grounded when the ball hit the stumps for a run-out, or whether the ball was 'grassed' before the fielder scooped the catch, and so on. The Australian Cricket Board, it is reported, has recently shown interest in "the use of cameras and computers to deliver foolproof lbw verdicts but said that the introduction of the technology was 12 months away." This would lead to yet another nail being driven into the coffin of the umpire. No, cricket was not meant to be played that way. Human umpires with a little help from technology is one thing but technology and computers taking over is another. It would sound the death knell of the spirit of cricket.

A STRICTER CONTROL ON APPEALING
One solution to remove pressure from umpires enabling them to perform better would be to be very strict on what constitutes excessive and frivolous appealing. These types of appealing are actually an attempt to defraud. Match Referees, having played the game themselves, know what this is all about. If they are quick to act by imposing deterrent fines; I believe, a great service would be rendered. In fact, those who saw the Princess Diana One-day International match played at Lord's recently did not witness the ugly spectacle of excessive appealing by players. The umpires - being not under pressure - did a grand job, the players performed admirably, the spectators were lavishly entertained, and a good time was had by all. Now, why can't cricket be always played like that? Cricket need not jump the bandwagon each time some technological advance is made. Cricket must maintain its old world charm without being archaic. It is a summer game meant to be played on the meadow not a mechanical sport manned by referees and conducted on cyberspace.