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Muralitharan completes England rout A phenomenal individual performance by Muttiah Muralitharan was more than a match for England and Sri Lanka won an extraordinary Test by 10 wickets with only nine overs of the final day left. Had Alec Stewart not been run out in the morning, Muralitharan would surely have become only the second bowler in the history of the game to take all 10 wickets in a Test innings. As it is, his 16 for 220 from 113.5 overs is the fifth-best Test analysis recorded. Sri Lanka knocked off the 35 they needed in only five overs after Murali ended an excellent four-hour innings by Mark Ramprakash just in time. Darren Gough's doughty support in a ninth-wicket partnership of 53 took England to tea with a lead of 15 but Ramprakash was brilliantly caught at short-leg and Gough, after 2 1/2 hours of defiance, bowled round his legs to give the conjurer from Kandy his wonderful second-innings figures of nine for 65. It was Sri Lanka's second successive win over England, five years after the last game in Colombo in March 1993. That was their first home win against England, but to have repeated it overseas, albeit in conditions which suited their talents so well, was a triumph which deserves no qualification. They won the World Cup with batting of unprecedented imagination and flair and now they are winning Tests by classical attacking batting and a bowler who can destroy sides by himself. On a true, dry pitch like this they they could beat anyone, in any five-day game, anywhere. And no wonder Lancashire want Muralitharan as their overseas successor to Wasim Akram. It has always been one of the oddities of history that Tony Lock took only one wicket at Old Trafford in 1956 when Jim Laker, whose haul of 193 Test wickets Murali has now surpassed, dismissed 19 Australians. But there were other high-class bowlers in that England side. In this particular Sri Lankan team, the 26-year-old off-spinner with the double jointed wrist was a one-man attack. One must take seriously the explanation given by his canny captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, for fielding first on a beautiful batting pitch. He did not want Muralitharan to have to bowl more than 100 overs in two days if England followed on. That is confidence of a rare order, contrasting with the England officials who expressed their fears about the dryness of the pitch in advance. Ranatunga's decision remains bizarre but Sanath Jayasuriya's brilliant double hundred made the toss almost irrelevant anyway. The speed with which he scored his first hundred - 124 balls - paved the way for the extraordinary events which followed. He pulled and cut Angus Fraser for two sixes as the match was won in a blaze of strokes. Muralitharan's figures were his best in 42 Tests in which he has now taken 203 wickets. He has claimed five wickets in an innings 16 times, and 10 or more in a match twice, the first occasion against Zimbabwe last winter in his home town, up in the green hills at Kandy. A tooth of the sacred Buddha is preserved in the temple there. Murali is not quite a demi-God himself - they keep their sport in slightly better perspective in Sri Lanka than they sometimes do on the mainland to the north - but it is safe to say that he will once again be accorded a hero's welcome on his return. He was only 20 when he took five wickets in the 1993 Test between these two countries, having played three first-class matches without taking a wicket as a promising tyro in England in 1991. What was striking then was his flight as much as his curious, wristy action. He has got better and better and if he bowls for another 10 years in Test cricket he could become the biggest wicket-taker of them all. Only two men, Clarrie Grimmett and Waqar Younis, have reached 200 Test wickets in fewer Test matches. The action, the permanently bent elbow due to a slight deformity at birth and the freakish ability to rotate the wrist will continue, no doubt, to trouble bamboozled opponents but he has been cleared by the ICC as a legitimate bowler since the shattering day late in 1995 when he was no-balled by Darrell Hair for throwing in a Test at Melbourne. David Lloyd, England's coach, chose an unwise moment to repeat past insinuations on Sunday night. It was curmudgeonly but he was cleared of any violation of the code of conduct when the president of Sri Lanka's Board raised the matter with the ICC referee, Judge Ebrahim. Happily, Stewart was careful not to repeat the suggestion after the match. He has no reason to be depressed by England's failure to bat out the day but the Australians will back themselves on true pitches against the team announced from Lord's this morning because the best seam attack England can muster was mastered with ease. England lost their last eight wickets Monday in fits and starts. After 11 quiet overs, Steve James's determined resistance was ended when he pushed forward and was caught at silly point off bat and pad. But Stewart was playing well, picking up sufficient runs to give his side hope from the assortment of bowlers at the other end, until Ramprakash called for a quickish single to square-leg. Upil Chandana, fielding as substitute for Aravinda de Silva, swooped and hit the only stump visible to him with a throw on the turn. It was an inspired piece of work but Muralitharan had many a hard over to come. Ramprakash was both positive and sound and John Crawley's technique looked equally adept during a partnership of 18 overs. Murali, however, drew him into a drive with the flight and dip of a true spinner in the last over before the interval and he was bowled off his pads. Off the first ball after lunch, Ben Hollioake, clipping half-heartedly to leg, was lbw and half an hour later Dominic Cork and Ian Salisbury became, respectively, Muralitharan's 199th and 200th Test victims in the same over. That Ramprakash and Gough then made the hero work so hard for his final breakthrough and that no other bowler remotely threatened them even after a new ball had been claimed at 147 for eight, showed both what a good pitch it remained and what a fantastic piece of bowling this was. (c) Telegraph Group Limited London 1989 Sri
Lankan Tour of England On the fifth and final day of the one off Cornhill Test between Sri Lanka and England saw Media give top billing to Lankan bowler Muttiah Muralitharan. While the media praised Murali’s great performance, England couch David Lloyd had other ideas on the fourth day over Murali. England were 54 for 2 and were facing first ever test defeat from Sri Lanka. Lloyd has made a statement speaking of Murali’s action. "We have a leg spinner with an orthodox action, They have an off spinner with an unorthodox action, if that’s ok, let’s find someone like it". "With the way he bowls and the action he has got, he will always be a handful." "I have my opinion which I will make known to authorities, the Match Referee, The Officials and the ICC" It is strange to hear England coach speak on his action at a crucial moment of this nature. He never had doubts when Murali played during the Emirates Triangular Tournament. He has stated at a press briefing on the fourth day that though ICC cleared Murali after going a through a Medical Report still the doubt remains. He further stated that he will be forwarding his report to ICC over this issue. Lloyd’s statement received maximum publicity here in England. Still with it receiving the widest coverage cricket correspondents say Murali who has gained the clearance from World Governing Body ICC is World Class off spinner. Lloyd may face the sack over Sri Lankan remarks LONDON, Sept 1 (Reuters) — England cricket coach David Lloyd could face the sack for remarks about Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan and a subsequent argument with television commentator Geoffrey Boycott, an England Cricket Board official said on Tuesday. ECB spokesman Richard Peel said Lloyd would be called before board representatives this week to explain his comments about Muralitharan’s bowling action. "Presumably he could be sacked if we felt that was the appropriate action," Peel said. "We’re aware that David’s been severely reprimanded before," he added, referring to comments Lloyd made after England played Zimbabwe last year. "That has to be taken into account. There have been occasions when he’s been indiscreet." Lloyd had hinted during England’s test match defeat by Sri Lanka that Muralitharan’s action might be illegal. The Sri Lankan spinner effectively won the match with his 16 wickets, nine of them in England’s second innings. He has been no-balled for throwing in the past but was cleared by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the sport’s governing body. A statement by the ECB’s chief executive Tim Lamb released on Tuesday said: "David Lloyd’s remarks were his own and not in line with the position of the ECB, which is happy to abide by ICC’s ruling on Muralitharan’s action. "David has been advised that what he said was inappropriate and insensitive, and senior representatives of the Board will see him at the earliest possible opportunity to discuss his comments. "We are taking this, and his public argument with a television presenter, very seriously." Lloyd has a contract until after the World Cup next year. He is due to coach England at an international tournament in Bangladesh next month and then in the Ashes series in Australia immediately afterwards. Sri Lanka have not made an official complaint about his remarks, though they protested publicly at the time. Lanka set for more England tests LONDON, Sept 1 (Reuters) — Sri Lanka looked forward to the prospect of more tests against England after Muttiah Muralitharan rose above controversy over his action to inspire their historic triumph at The Oval on Sunday. Sri Lanka surged to their first test victory in this country when they outplayed England to win by 10 wickets on the final day of the one-off game in which off-spinner Muralitharan had the fifth best match haul in test history of 16 for 220. It was only the fourth test played by Sri Lanka in this country since they became a test-playing nation 17 years ago but their growing reputation, underlined over the last five days, has been rewarded by a better deal with England. Three tests are planned for England’s 2000-2001 tour of Sri Lanka and the liklihood is that the Sri Lankans will have more than one test here in 2002. The two teams have so far met six times, all in one-off tests. Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Pakistan, India and Zimbabwe have already played at least one three-test series against Sri Lanka, and West Indies have met the island side in a two-test encounter. Sri Lanka have become a greater force in test matches through formidable batting and a varied spin attack, with Muralitharan the jewel in their slow bowling crown. Muralitharan is Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler and his seven for 155 and nine for 65 at The Oval brought his tally to 203 wickets in 42 tests. He has now taken more test wickets in 1998 than any other bowler — 68 to South African Allan Donald’s 66. He was under a cloud on the last two days of the match against England after doubt was cast on the legality of his unorthodox action by the home team’s coach David Lloyd, who said he would give his views to the cricket authorities when the game was over. Muralitharan was no-balled 14 times for throwing in Australia three years ago but his action was subsequently cleared by the International Cricket Conference. A permanent deformity in his right arm which he cannot straighten gives the impression he throws, but repeated photographing of his double-jointed wrist action led to the conclusion that the apparent throwing was an optical illusion. Muraitharan was undistracted by the controversy surfacing again at The Oval. "Comments do not affect me because I know my bowling is all right," he said. His captain Arjuna Ranatunga agreed that Muralitharan "does not have a problem with his action" but is more concerned about finding support for the most potent weapon in the Sri Lankan bowling amroury. "We have to find someone to partner Muralitharan," Ranatunga said. "He is like a machine, give him the ball and he does the job, but he needs a break. Occasionally he gets a sore shoulder." Muralitharan has now taken five wickets in an innings at least once against seven of the eight other test teams — Australia is the exception — but he is still keen to broaden his bowling education. "I would like to play county cricet for one season," he said. Let me
have peace World Games silver medalist Susanthika Jayasinghe said that elements who tried to destroy her career still haunts even after she got the green light over dope charge she said . She wants permanent peace. Susanthika who summoned a press briefing at her residence on Sunday, said she only has faith in few people. I only trust my two lawyers, Daya Perera (PC) and Kalinga Indratissa (Attorney at Law) who are helping me free of charge. The other genuine person is former AAA President and Fisheries Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha. I want them to make peace with the Sports Ministry officials and the AAA she said. I went through many hardships and could not even train at the Stadium track and do weights at the Ministry Gym she said. When I asked for permission to train at the Stadium and sought H. U. Silva's permission, he said he got orders from the top, not to open the doors of the Stadium for me, she disclosed. She also said her sponsorship by John Keells Holdings too was halted and she had to face many hardships obtaining permission to do weights training at the Sports Ministry. "Due to these difficulties I cannot run at my usual best and I will decide about the participation at Commonwealth Games after a time trial next Wednesday", she disclosed. She also told that she was given stepmotherly treatment when collecting her John Keells pay from the Ministry. Other employed athletes come to the Ministry and never waste their time in collecting their salaries. Asked why she does not treat the Commonwealth Games as a forerunner to her future events, she said she is a now a World Class athlete. "I can't go to Malaysia and be among the laughing stock. I compete to win", she said. Susanthika also appealed to the International Athletic Championship organizers to invite her and coach for their competitions. Dr. Mendis not qualified! Daya Perera PC disclosed a stunning news that Dr. Geethanjana Mendis, admitted that he was not qualified to conduct a urine test according to IAAF regulations. "Only International Sampling Officers (ISO) are permitted to perform tests" said Dr. Mendis. Perera also said that imperative steps were not followed during this drug episode, which makes it very suspicious. "The IAAF wanted an off season urine test on Susanthika last September, but the Test was done in March. During this time the AAA Secretary never informed the two former Presidents, Rajapaksha and Sunil Jayaweera of this directive", he said. "Her consent was never sought for the 'B' sample Tes't he said. Under 23 Tourney begins on Sept. 5 The under-23 inter-club Division I and II Tournament conducted by the Cricket Board will commence on September 5 onwards. Sixteen teams will be in fray in Division I while 32 teams will come out for Division II. The top two teams from each group from Division I will qualify for semi-finals which will be played for three days. The respective group leaders in the Division II will qualify for the semi-finals which too will be a three day affair. Both tournaments are planned to be completed by November prior to limited over tournament. The Division I winners will carry away Rs. 100,000 and the Challenge Trophy while runners-up will receive Rs. 75,000. Man of the Tournament, Man of the Final, Best Batsman and Best Bowler too will receive Rs. 10,000 each. Meanwhile, the Division II winners will receive Rs. 75,000 and the Challenge Trophy while runners-up will carry away Rs. 60,000. Man of the Tournament, Man of the Final, Best Bowler and Best Batsman will receive Rs. 7,500 respectively. Division I • Group A — SSC, NCC, Matara SC, Sebestianites SC and AC, Kandy YCC, Panadura SC, Kurunegala YCC • Group B — Tamil Union, CCC, Colts CC, Antonians SC, BRC, Moors SC, Bloomfield C and AC, Galle CC. Division II • Group A — Wennapuwa SC, Saracens CC, Old Cambrians SC, Chilaw Marians SC, Narammala SC, Moratuwa SC, Ratnapura CC, Malay SC, • Group B — Kalutara PCC, Leo Stadium SC, Navy SC, Badureliya, CC, Ambalangoda Rio SC, Kalutara TC, Old Mazenodians SC, Seeduwa Raddoluwa SC, • Group C — Old Dharmapalians SC, Air Force SC, Kurunegala SC, Matale CC, Lankan CC, Veera SC, Horana SC, Matugama CC • Group D — Negombo CC, Old Anandians SC, Ragama CC, United Southern SC, Nomads SC, Kandy CC, Petersons SC, Kulatunga
creates an upset D. J. Kulatunga (KLM) created the biggest upset when he out-smarted top seed Vimal Fernando (Aitken Spence) three sets to two to seal a thrilling win at the ninth Travel Trade Open Squash Tournament sponsored by Trans Asia Hotel courts yesterday. Kulatunga had a tough tussle to overcome his opponent after losing the first two sets (4-9, 6-9). He bounced back in the third set and held control of the game from there onwards. Rest of the matches were played well. Twelve participated in the men's open tournament while five were in the intermediate class for honours. Men's Open — P. Weerasinghe (Hilton) bt Upul Priyantha (Trans Asia) 9-3, 9-0, 10-9, L. K. Manjula (Trans Asia) bt Supumal Fernando (Hilton) 9-0, 9-1, 9-1, N. S. Jayashantha (Trans Asia) bt Hiran Soysa (Aitken Spence) 9-3, 9-8, 9-5, D. J. Kulatunga (KLM) bt Vimal Fernando (Aitken Spence) 4-9, 6-9, 9-5, 9-2, 9-2, Hiran Soysa (Aitken Spence) W/o S. Wijeratne (Hilton). WPRFU -
U 24 tourney Kandy Sports Club made it to the Semi finals of the Western Province Under 24 inter-Club rugby tournament when they scored a hard fought 15-0 victory over Tri Star SC in a quarter-final clash worked off at Havelock Park Yesterday. The winners led 5-0 at the "breather" Winger R. Hettiarachchi and Linkman Nilufer Ibrahim scored one each for the winners also shared the honours in the kicking department by converting one of the tries and putting over a penalty which came their way. Orville Fernando officiated the game. (RN) |
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