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Murali could hold key to Oval wicket expected to favour
spin Surrey, August-26 — The school of thinking that hung around the Surrey Oval that fast bowlers would hold sway at the Oval in the one-off Test Cricket match starting here today between Sri Lanka and England had changed by yesterday with both sides naming two spinners each in their squads from which the final XI would be selected. Although upto Tuesday it had been believed that the wicket would be quite grassy, on the eve of the match yesterday it was found that there was very little grass with a hard surface expected to generate much bounce and take turn by the third day. This sudden change of the wicket has come as a surprise to both camps. While the England batsmen harbour a fear of facing Sri Lanka’s trump card, off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, Sri Lanka had to change plans to play a third pacie instead of which drafting in another off spinner into the squad. As such the chances of century maker against Hampshire on Monday, Chandika Hathurusinghe making the final XI declined with the team management calling in spinners Kumar Dharmasena and Upul Chandan into the twelve. Hathurusinghe’s poor form with the ball did not boost his chances. Accordingly, either Dharmasena or Chandana will partner Muralitharan as a second spinner. Sri Lanka Captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, when asked by ‘The Island’ as to who would get the nod, said that this would be decided after the all important toss. However, on form, right arm leg spinner, Upul Chandana looked the favourite to play today going on the premise that his batting had improved on tour. Mahela Jayawardena will bat at the pivotal No. 3 position while Hashan Tillekeratne would take the No. 6 slot. The new ball will be shared between Pramodya Wickramasinghe and Suresh Perera. Both Ravindra Pushpakumara and Chaminda Vaas coming into the side was ruled out as Vaas was not fully fit while the former was nursing a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, speculation in the British press that Vaas may play may have prompted the preparing of the pitch not to be very favourable to the pacies. Commenting on the pitch, Ranatunga said, "The pitch is just like our SSC grounds. The ball could bounce much and later beging to turn. He was speaking soon after a practice session at the Oval. When the two countries last met in 1992 in Sri Lanka at the SSC, Sri Lanka registered a resounding victory with the spinners playing a big role. However, this England side will be playing on familiar home soil and riding on the crestwave of a 2-1 Test series triumph against the strong South Africans. In their fold today will be players who played a key hand in that triumph in Darren Gough, Agnus Fraser and Dominic Cork who are in top fettle at the moment. New success captain Stewart was yesterday found the confidence of the electors placed on him when he was named captain for the next tour of Australia and upto next year’s World Cup such today’s test would be a big challenge for Stewart. However, Engalnd’s biggest challenge will be Muttiah Muralitharan who with 187 test scalps stands out today as the world’s best off spinner. While England’s batting fortunes are expected to mainly depend on how the top order handles Muralitharan, Sri Lanka’s main worry will be how their batsmen handle England’s seamers more than the off spinners. As for the batting Sri Lanka will bank heavily on the inform Marvan Atapattu and Aravinda de Silva. Although Mahela Jayawardena made 90 against Hampshire it was not with much faith. The weather is also expected to play a key factor as to Sri Lanka’s fortunes where the players have been adversely affected by overcast, cold conditions creeping in. The weather here yesterday was not that bright. England, in a last minute change omitted Allan Mullally and brought in Robert Croft who is expected to partner right arm off spinner Ian Salisbury. Of the 5 tests played between the two countries, England has won 3, Sri Lanka 1 and 1 drawn. Sri Lanka (From) Arjuna Ranatunga (Capt.), Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardena, Hashan Tillekeratne, Romesh Kaluvitharana, Pramodya Wickramasinghe, Suresh Perera, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana. England (From) - Alec Stewart (Capt.), Michael Atherton, Mark Ramprakash, Nassar Hussein, John Crawley, Mark Butcher, Graham Hick, Ben Hollioake, Dominic Cork, Ian Salisbury, Darren Gough, Agnus Fraser, Robert Croft. Commonwealth
Games - Malaysia The Sri Lankan contingent bound for the Commonwealth Games are all fired up and are in their peak form. The team is expected to bring in medals from this event scheduled to be held from September 11 to 21 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The ten member Rifle Shooting team strong favourites to bring home few gold medals will be leaving for the Games on August 30. They will be in Malaysia for advance training and will do a in-depth study on the new venus in Malaysia. The Netball team will leave early for Singapore and thereafter fly to Kuala Lumpur. The Netballers will play England and few other practice games in Singapore. Likewise the Sri Lankan athletes bound for the Commonwealth Games will expose themselves in Singapore. The Lankan 400x4 relay team along with Sriyani Kulawansa will participate in the Nike Open Championships in Singapore and fly to Malaysia. Both Sugath Tillakaratne and Damayanthi Dharsha will join the Lankan team after attending the Athletic World Cup in South Africa. The duo has been selected to anchor the Asian Relay team and will also run in the 400 m. events. The team had a pleasant surprise with the inclusion of South Asia's fastest woman Susanthika Jayasinghe. Though she is not in peak form due to a six month suspension on drug offences. Susanthika undoubtedly will take the centre spot in the Sri Lankan contingent. The cricket team will fly separately since their events are starting early. (September 9). It is strongly tipped that Sugath Tillakaratne will captain the Sri Lankan team for the Commonwealth Games. First time in Asia Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Gymnastics, Hockey, Lawn Bowls, Netball, Rugby, Shooting, Swimming, Squash, Ten Pin Bowling, Weightlifting. When Malaysia won the bid to host the XVI Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1992, it was as if a dream had become a reality. Come September 1998, the focus of th world will be on Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur will be the first Asian City to host this renowned multi-sports events. This will also mark the second time the Games have gone outside the Big Four i.e. the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The Kuala Lumpur 98 Games is the biggest sporting event to be held in Malaysia and also the biggest Commonwealth Games ever hosted to-date. This festival of sports will see the convergence of about 6,000 athletes and officials from Commonwealth nations. This world-class sporting event will take place from 11-21 September 1998 at 23 venues located in and around Kuala Lumpur and on the legendary Langkawi Island. To make it a more memorable occasion, for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games, team sports were introduced. The Kuala Lumpur 98 Games has also scored other distinctions, namely in being the: * First Asian host Logo and Mascot The Games Logo draws its inspiration from Malaysia's national flower - the Bunga Raya (Hibiscus) and embodies the elements of friendship, dynamism, hospitality and the colours of the Malaysian flag. Its petals form the letter CG (for Commonwealth Games) and the numerals nine and eight mark the year of the event. The circle formed by the petals symbolises the sports arena. Fluid lines moving towards the golden pollen signify the quest for excellence - the ultimate goal of all athletes. The six pollens represent the six regions of the world over which the Commonwealth countries are spread. The Official Mascot for Kuala Lumpur 98 is "Wira" - "an endearing portrayal of the Orang Utan". Wira, means Warrior in the Malay language. Highly intelligent and agile, the Orang Utan characterizes charm and sporting ability. As our symbolic ambassador to the friendly Games, Wira will confidently project the friendly personality of Malaysia as a host. The XV Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Canada from 18 to 28 August 1994, saw participation from 3,266 athletes and officials. The XVI Commonwealth Games from 11 to 21 September 1998 will have a total of 15 sports events comprising 10 individual sports and four team sports. Malaysia is expecting more than 6,000 athletes and team officials to attend. Rugby Referees Following the ‘Talking Point’ titled, ‘Rugby’ Refs. Union tripped with linesman?’ In Tuesday’s issue which referred to a member of CR & FC, Dilroy Fernando standing in as linesman at the President’s Trophy final between CR and Kandy, Nimal Lewke, SSP, Deputy Commandant, Sri Lanka Police Reserve and former Kandy coach and current Police S.C. coach has written to ‘The Island’ that despite protests by him to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees’ Society against this official refereeing matches while having school and club ties, no action was taken. Else, the unfortunate incident in the President’s Trophy final would have been avoided. Lewke has noted that had the Rugby Football Referees Society (SL RFRS) acted on two of his protest letters, one on June 22, ’98 and the other on July 31, ’98 the SL RFRS would have avoided the unfortunate incident at last week’s final. By his letter of June 22, ’98, he had drawn the attention of the President of the SL RFRS that officials of clubs and schools were not eligible to officiate under the amended constitution as it tantamounted to vested interests. Furthermore, that the person behind the amended resolution was none other than the Isipatana College Rugby Football Committee Chairman, Dilroy Fernando and that it is surprising to see that the very person who wanted this change is refereeing important school matches. By his second letter, Lewke had drawn the attention of the SLRFRS President to a newspaper report July 31 which had quoted the President of CR & FC as saying that Dilroy Fernando, as a committee member of the club had contributed to the success of CR & FC this year. "Nations Wishes" gains
popularity The Nations Wishes Campaign, for all our courageous athletes representing Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games, to be held in Kuala Lumpur and to inaugurate the collection from the entirety of the country by obtaining over one million signatures from the public in support of the nations wishes campaign commenced recently. This event first of its kind ever to be launched in Sri Lanka hopes to obtain one million signatures from the public in support of the national Sportsmen and Women bound for Commonwealth Games. The prime aim behind this is to encourage and support Sri Lankan sports heroes at Commonwealth Games said Dominic Locker, Brand Manager Nestle Lanka Limited. "Milo's brand name is synonymous with sport as Milo has been associated with the sponsorship of sport events in Sri Lanka for many years, in particular in the field of school sports. As much as in Cricket and Athletics, we believe that Sri Lanka can achieve the same highest international recognition of excellence in many other sports as well. Milo will therefore not refrain from supporting the development of school sports, especially in order to discover hidden sports talents in this country, and to develop new future champions for Sri Lanka," he added. "It is important that we obtain the 1 million signatures and the goodwill of these signatories as their wishes will accompany our team to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and spur our athletes to excel in their events and to be accepted as Ambassadors of Goodwill and Friendship from Sri Lanka," he said. Nestle Lanka launched their signature campaign two months ago and they have been successful in obtaining 985,000 signatures so far. They hope to complete the campaign early September and hand over the posters to the Sports Minister and the National Olympic Committee officials. The Milo truck with giant flags each measuring around 100 metres are now visiting major towns. It is an established fact, that the Commonwealth Games is indeed a most prestigious athletic event and probably the second most recognised sporting event after the Olympics, thus making September 1998 for Malaysia the hallmark event as the Commonwealth Games, is being held for the first time in Asia. Equally, new disciplines such as Cricket and Rugby have been introduced and recognised as an official part of the games. Moreover, it is expected that over 4000 athletes from all participating 69 Commonwealth countries will compete in 19 different disciplines. The friendliness and goodwill is represented by 'Wira' the cute, friendly mascot of the Games. Wira is in Sri Lanka, to meet the people and take their good wishes, symbolised by one million signatures to the Sri Lankan stars. As much as Sri Lanka has made its mark in the world's sporting arenas, Milo has been on the top platform of the winners' podium for a long time as the nutritious, energy-giving drink behind sporting achievements over the years. In fact, Milo has international rights as the official chocolate food drink in all of the 69 participating countries. Milo's commitment extends to continuous sponsorship of sport in schools: Rugby, Netball, Football and from this year, Athletics and Swimming as well. The culmination will be a Schools' Colours Awards Ceremony, to turn the spotlight on future champions. Milo will, undoubtedly, be behind superlative performances at Kuala Lumpur, too. When the Commonwealth Games get underway, every athlete will strain every sinew in the quest for victory. Victory however beckons many but chooses few. Perhaps that is when the time-honoured exhortation of Baron Pierre de Coubertin will be as valuable as the prize: 'The glory of sport is not to win, but to participate.' Susanthika will decide after time trial Susanthika Jayasinghe, once again cleared of all drug charges, said that she will stage a special time trial on Saturday to determine her participation at the Commonwealth Games. She also said that if she decides to represent Sri Lanka, she would need the services of her coach. 'I went through a traumatic period where I was forced to give up training. I badly need my coach there' she told 'The Island'. Meanwhile, the Secretary, Amateur Athletic Association Rohan Amarasinghe, when contacted, said that it would be not practical to include an additional coach to the contingent. 'We have national coach Derwin Perera and other AAA officials at the Commonwealth,' he said. Meanwhile the National Selection Committee while ratifying the name of Susanthika Jayasinghe, has axed hurdler Harijan Ratnayake and long jumper Nayanthi Kumari. Harijan established a new 400 metre Sri Lanka record at the recently concluded National Sports Festival, finishing in 50.98 seconds. The Olympic pool qualifying standard is 50.59 seconds. Nayanthi kicked the sand after clearing 6.10 metres. The qualifying mark stood as 6.40 metres. IAAF official on Susanthika issue In the wake of Susanthika Jayasinghe's exoneration by the IAAF of drug related charges, 'The Island' publishes the full text of the letter from IAAF Chief Doping Officer, F. Dole to the Sri Lanka AAA president, Ariya Kannangara: 'Dear Mr. Kannangara, In essence you have asked me for guidance as to what AAA of Sri Lanka should do now in relation to this case. IAAF rules on this subject are very clear. An athlete is suspended under IAAF rules and such time as the hearing either determines that an athlete has committed a doping offence or does not. If the hearing decides that an athlete has committed a doping offence, then the athlete is declared ineligible for the relevant period under IAAF rules. If however, a hearing determines a doping offence has not been committed, the suspension ceases and the athlete is automatically re-eligible for competition from the date the relevant tribunal of the national federation reaches this decision. Therefore, I think there are no further steps to be taken by the AAA of Sri Lanka at this time other than to inform the athlete she is free to compete. There is however a further step to be taken in accordance with IAAF Rule 21.3 (ii) if the IAAF itself believes that the hearing panel of the AAA of Sri Lanka has misdirected itself or otherwise reached an erroneous conclusion in Miss Jayasinghe's case it may refer the matter for a re-hearing to the IAAF's Arbitration Panel. Therefore, although I suggest that this is the end of the matter at national level the matter may still be raised by the IAAF at international level if it consider appropriate. If the IAAF does decide to refer the matter to its arbitration panel for decision, the athlete is free to compete pending such a decision. However, if the IAAF arbitration panel reaches the decision the athlete did commit doping offence, a period of ineligibility may commence from that time. I hope this is clear. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Signed - Dole. |
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