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Arjuna Ranatunga comes to the
rescue once again with a defiant unbeaten 45 HOBART, Jan 21 (Reuters) - World champions Sri Lanka broke a run of eight successive one-day defeats to claim their first win of the tri-series competition by beating Australia by three wickets on Thursday. Marvan Atapattu top-scored with 82 and injured captain Arjuna Ranatunga scored a defiant 45 not out as Sri Lanka pulled past Australia's 210 for nine with three balls to spare. Sri Lanka finished with 211 for seven after a late collapse threatened to derail them. Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne took three wickets. England lead the tri-nation series. The win was built on a 116-run partnership between Atapattu and Romesh Kaluwitharana (54). Ranatunga, limping noticeably, needed a runner but was able to see the Sri Lankans home. The Australians went into the match without batsman Ricky Ponting who was dropped after being involved in a fight outside a Sydney nightclub. Adding to their woes were injuries to Steve Waugh and Michael Bevan. Waugh did not field during Sri Lanka's innings after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring injury that kept him out of the early matches of the international series. Waugh, who made 20, felt a sharp twinge as he was running between the wickets while batting. Team officials said it was in the same area of his left leg as his old injury. Bevan suffered a minor strain to his right groin, saying he felt it while batting and then aggravated it in the field. He was replaced by Tasmanian bowler Damien Wright.
Scoreboard in Thursday's tri-series limited-overs match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval. Australia innings M.Waugh c Mahanama b Jayasuriya 65 A.Gilchrist b Vaas 12 G.Blewett c Mahanama b Wickremasinghe 1 D.Lehmann c Jayawardene b Jayasuriya 51 S.Lee c Chandana b Muralitharan 18 S.Waugh c Jayawardene b Jayasuriya 20 M.Bevan c Kaluwitharana b Muralitharan 18 B.Julian c and b Vaas 7 S.Warne c Chandana b Vaas 5 A.Dale not out 7 G.McGrath not out 1 Extras (lb-2 w-3) 5 Total (for nine wickets, 50 overs) 210 Fall of wickets: 1-20 2-25 3-118 4-138 5-153 6-185 7-196 8-198 9-206 Bowling: Vaas 10-1-27-3 (w-1), Wickremasinghe 8-1-20-1, Muralitharan 10-1-42-2, Jayawardene 4-0-20-0, Chandana 7-0-44-0, Jayasuriya 10-0-47-3 (w-2), Tillekeratne 1-0-8-0. Sri Lanka innings S.Jayasuriya run out 3 R.Kaluwitharana lbw Dale 54 M.Atapattu run out 82 A.Ranatunga not out 45 U.Chandana c Dale b Warne 8 H.Tillekeratne c Martyn b Warne 3 M.Jayawardene b McGrath 1 R.Mahanama b Warne 4 C.Vaas not out 2 Extras (lb-2 w-3 nb-4) 9 Total (for seven wickets, 49.3 overs) 211 Fall of wickets: 1-4 2-120 3-163 4-178 5-188 6-190 7-198 Did not bat: P.Wickremasinghe, M.Muralitharan. Bowling: McGrath 10-2-33-1 (w-1), Dale 10-2-30-1 (w-1 nb-1), Julian 10-0-41-0 (nb-2) Lee 6-0-39-0, Warne 10-0-45-3 (w-1 nb-1), Blewett 3.3-0-21-0. Result: Sri Lanka won by three wickets Tri-series standings Standings in the tri-series tournament after Thursday's match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Bellerive Oval (list as played, won, lost, points)
Muralitharan may not tour Australia again HOBART, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Sri Lankan cricket captain Arjuna Ranatunga says controversial spinner Muttiah Muralitharan may not tour Australia again because of the hostile reception he has received in the country. Ranatunga said adverse publicity over Muralitharan's bowling action and heckling by crowds at Sri Lanka's three matches so far may lead to such a decision. 'It's so unfortunate that a brilliant bowler who has taken 200 wickets, every time he goes into the field (in Australia) he has this problem,' Ranatunga was quoted as saying in The Australian newspaper on Thursday as Sri Lanka took on Australia in a tri-series one-day match at Bellerive Oval. 'What's the big deal. (The crowds) never used to behave like that,' Ranatunga said. 'Ultimately, what will happen is that people like Murali will never tour Australia. Ultimately, the younger generation will never be able to see him bowling. 'That is part of Australian cricket at the moment.' Ranatunga added: 'Why is it only happening here? I'm really disappointed with the public this time. Really, really disappointed.' Muralitharan's unusual bowling action came under the international spotlight when Australian umpire Darrell Hair no-balled him seven times for throwing during a test match in 1995. He was reported to the International Cricket Council (ICC) but was cleared to keep playing after the sport's ruling body said his action was not illegal. The Australian crowds, however, have heckled his every appearance at the crease during this series, screaming 'no-ball' every time he rolls his arm over. Sri Lankan manager Ranjit Fernando said he believed Muralitharan's action was completely legitimate. 'People should sit back and savour someone who's different, a very skilful, brilliant bowler,' Fernando said. 'He's a young man who has had a deformity in his arm and to come out of it and be one of the greatest bowlers in contemporary times is something which people should look at as something special.'
Sri Lanka cannot be written off By Allaam Ousman There is no doubt that the reigning World Cup champions are struggling to regain their flamboyant form which made them instant heroes. Going without a win in eight one-day internationals must indeed be an unprecedented low for any team, leave alone the reigning Kings of the abbreviated version of the game. The manner in which they ended this hoodoo was not that convincing. But it certainly would have done their confidence a world of good. They needed to turn the tide with a little bit of luck which has deserted Ranatunga lately, although he has been fortunate to win the toss in all four matches so far in the Carlton & United triangular series. One has to take into account that Sri Lanka is handicapped in this tournament by the absence of vice captain Aravinda de Silva who is still recovering from a groin injury. He has been a steadying influence on the team although skipper Ranatunga manages to keep his cool in crisis situation just like he did yesterday. On the other hand, Australia too miss their captain Steve Waugh who doesn't seem to have fully recovered from the hamstring injury. However, Sri Lanka managed to get their act together especially in the bowling and fielding departments to restrict the Aussies on a two-paced wicket despite giving them the liberty by grassing three catches. There was a spring in their stride on the field yesterday, while Sri Lanka's main spearhead Chaminda Vaas was back in his element which is good news. The bowling of spin ace Muttiah Muralitharan has suffered because of an over-dependence on him apart from the distractions caused by hecklers. But when it comes to batting, Sri Lanka still seems to stutter towards the end of the innings despite having the luxury of playing an extra batsman. Romesh Kaluwitharana's consistency has offset the failure of pinch-hitter Sanath Jayasuriya. The emergence of all-rounder Upul Chandana and Hashan Tillekeratne's dependability bodes well for the team. But the failure of young Mahela Jayawardena and experienced Roshan Mahanama, partly because of his being shuffled around the order, must make Avishka Gunawardena wonder why he is being kept in cold storage. Nonetheless, the next few matches in the competition will show whether Sri Lanka is back to her winning ways or whether the victory at Hobart was an isolated performance. P. T. Usha wants to
go for the next Asian Games in 2000 ‘’Who is the fastest? Who is the best? No, that is a question that I, can never answer.’’ These remarks made by India’s middle distance legend, P. T. Usha when asked to make comparisons between Sri Lankan sprint stars Susanthika Jayasinghe and Damayanthi Dharsha. It was this down to earth personality that spoke to me in Tamil when I was covering the Asian Games in Bangkok and wanted to know something. Knowing that I did not understand her question she rephrased it in English. ‘’Are you from India? After I introduced myself her first remark was that she was sorry for Susanthika since she could not run in the ASIAD finals due to injury.’’ Injuries are natural for athletes. Some run with it while others do not take the risk and pull out.’’ Usha went on to explain that she too was down with injury and had to pull out of the finals. Asked to comment on the Sri Lankan athletic performances she said they were above expectations. ‘’If Susanthika Jayasinghe was fit Sri Lanka could have won another gold in the 4x100m relay,’’ she said. She said that she still likes Damayanthi Dharsha’s 400 m run more than her 200m dash. ‘’It is true that Dharsha set a new record from the 200m. But I think 400m is the ideal event for her,’’ she commented. ‘’I still think there is no Asian to beat Susanthika in the 100m and 200m.’’ The 33 year-old track star was also full of praise to Sugath Tilakaratne as well. ‘’He came out with an out of the world performance in the 400m final. I am sure he will go a long way in the 200m event as well.’’ Asked which side she would be looking, if she is running along with Susanthika and Dharsha, she said not at both. ‘’I have no competition with them. I’ll fight for the bronze’’ she said. Usha was somewhat upset with her India team management for axing her from the relay. ‘’I was all geared up to run in it. But I was left in the cold. I was not even told about it," she said. A medal at the Bangkok ASIAD would have been a fitting fare well for the Indian legend. But hamstring injury sent her medalless on her fifth ASIAD. Usha burst into Indian athletics two years ago as a shy 13-year-old in pigtails. Since then, she has picked up four gold and seven silver Asian Games medals and come closest to being the first Indian to win an Olympic track and field medal, missing bronze by 0.01 seconds in the 400-metre hurdles at the 1984 games. She emerged from retirement to run in the Asian Track Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, this July. She was third, in 23.46 seconds, in the 200 and anchored India’s victorious 4x100 relay. Usha also anchored India’s silver medal team in 4x100, which finished .16 seconds behind China. But her training for the Bangkok games was disrupted by a heel injury and a hamstring strained at a November meet in the eastern city of Calcutta, when she collapsed in the 200. The injuries effectively ruined Usha’s swan song. She did not qualify for the 200 final and was sixth in the 400, her favourite event. The poor results led to her missing the final. India’s team doctor, Rakesh Kaushal, said her confidence was also ‘’a little bit on the low side’’ to run following her disappointing earlier races. Usha watched from the stands as India’s women got silver in the race. She said she would go to the next Asian Games in the year 2002 but only as a spectator. ‘’I can’t run, I have to see that,’’ she said. Selections for Olympic
soccer tourney on Jan. 24 The Sri Lanka soccer team will participate in the Olympic football tournament scheduled to be held in Sydney 2000. The Asian qualifing round fixtures in this event will be held in Korea in May 1999. The selections for this tour will be held on January 24 at 8 a.m. at the Sports Ministry soccer grounds, Colombo 7 under Subani Hassimdeen. Players born after 1-1-77 are eligible to participate. More details in this regard could be obtained from M. Premadasa on 446256 or 696175. Meanwhile, the Football Federation (FFSL) is to implement a special programme to educate, train and update the knowledge of football coaches in the country during the year 1999. Prior to commencing this special programme the Football Federation proposes to register all the football coaches. Hence, coaches who wish to avail of this special programme are requested to register themselves with FFSL on or before January 31. To play foreigners or not dilemma of Rugby Union by Jatila Karawita He said "As with every story, there are two sides to this story as well. Of course, most would say that there were more pluses than minuses. Yes many overseas stars over the years have done well to improve the quality of play with their outstanding performance. But a time would come one day when we will have to take a decision to do away with them. Certainly the present juncture is a crucial one. With the recent improved showing of the national team the time is ripe to go on our own cause. There is the other aspect that Sri Lankan clubs cannot depend on overseas players for ever," he summed up. President of the SLRFU, Dr. Maiya Gunasekere was of the view that Sri Lankan ruggerites have an itinerary which gives them the opportunity and that much needed break to play in international rugby tournaments, both at home and away, in the process horning their skills alongside the foreigners as automatically the side is kept fine tuned all the time. He said "In the past two and a half year period our players have been constantly exposed to international opposition with matches being played in countries such as Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore and in the Asian circuit and even at home. With more rugby international being arranged for the boys this year as well. I feel that it is high time we should no longer rely solely on these foreigners representing the Colombo clubs. Insides, all this is quite a heavy expenditure which has to be incurred by clubs to procure the services of sub-standard overseas players." The rugby union chief, who has decided not to seek another term as the President of the SLRFU reiterated that following the discussions he had with the Rugby Union hierarchy, it was upto the council of the Rugby Football Union to consider all the pros and cons whether to invite foreigners or not at its meeting to be held at the SLRFU headquarters on January 29. One thing is certain. The local rugby loving fraternity will await the outcome of that crucial decision with in a weeks time which in all probability will concern the immediate future of Sri Lanka rugby. (JK) Over 40 cricket teams to
tour Sri Lanka An Australian and English over 40 cricket team and a Dutch Ladies cricket team will make a tour of Sri Lanka this year by courtesy Connaissance Hotel Management (CHM). The English cricket team is expected next month, according to S. Senaratne, Managing Director. (CHM) ‘’They will take on the SSC over-40 team and will play three other limited over fixtures in Colombo’’ he said. The Australian team is expected to play eight games both in Colombo and in the outstations as well. ‘’Kandy, Galle, Matara and Kurunegala are the likely outstation venues.’’ In addition the Dutch Ladies team is expected in October. The Sri Lankan hosts will be the Women’s Cricket Association headed by Ms Gwen Herat. Former cricketer Tony Opatha will organise the tour from Holland,’’ he said. ‘’They will play four games in Colombo,’’ he added. It was also disclosed that the Sabaragamuwa school rugby development programme undertaken by their Director Arjun Dharmadasa will continue this year as well. "We have brought down French Rugby and volleyball teams but they did not have good competition here. The ruggerites were too much for the Lankans while the university spikers standard was not high,’’ he said. Senaratne assured that evenly matched teams (like during this soccer tour) will be brought down in the future. These details were revealed at a press conference held last week at Culture Club Dambulla to celebrate their 5th year anniversary. The dynamic Karting Committee of the Ceylon Motor Sport Club in association with the Colombo Pro Kart Centre has organised what is anticipated to be a scintillating day of Karting events for Go Karts and Pro Karts on Sunday 24th January 1999 at the Alcatraz Car Park area opposite the Parliament. According to the organisers, the track which has been designed by the CMSC is expected to be the best ever to stage a Karting event in Sri Lanka. This fast and challenging track which has already attracted the cream of the Karting fraternity in Sri Lanka also paves the way for those interested in this Motor Sport to take the first step in a Pro Kart. Registration of entries will commence at 10.00 a.m. sharp. Most top Formula 1 drivers develop their racing talents in single seated driving by participating in Go Kart meets which provides the ideal foundation for top level competition racing. Pro Karting in Sri Lanka gets a shot in the arm since this is the first time the Colombo Pro Kart Centre is staging a racing event on a top level out door track. The Pro Karting event is promoted and sponsored by De Zoysa Organisation (Security Services) and the competitors will race for the De Zoysa Security Challenge Trophy ’99. It is hoped that the enthusiasm shown by the Ceylon Motor Sports Club in progressing Motor Sports will spur all the Clubs affiliated to the Sri Lanka Association of Motor Sports to use all their resources and untidily stride towards building an International Racing track in Sri Lanka. Here’s good news for Karting fans in the New Year. Go Karting activities in Sri Lanka came to a standstill some years ago due to the non-availability of a suitable track. The Committee of the Ceylon Motor Sports Club has been trying desperately to locate a suitable track and we are pleased to announce that the Alcatras Restaurant complex near the Parliament, which has a reasonably good car park area has been approved for Karting. The Pro Karts too will be raced on the 24th instant and those of you who do not own go karts need not be disappointed since you will have the opportunity to race a Pro Kart. So those of you who are keen to race please bring your Karts along at 10.00 a.m. on the 24th, but don’t forget your helmets. |
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