The Island sports

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has intimated to the Sri Lankan cricket authorities that it has warned Match Referee Van der Merwe not to make any further public comments as to the bowling action of Sri Lankan off spinner Muttiah Muralitheran, according to a press release issued yesterday by the Chief Executive of the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL).

The ICC action is a sequel to the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) lodging a protest to the Chief Executive of the ICC D.L. Richards following Van der Merwe giving interviews to the media regarding Muralitharan's bowling action.

Van der Merwe who was match referee during Sri Lanka's second one-dayer against Australia last week had reportedly stated that he was reporting to the ICC the Sri Lankan off spinner's bowling action which he considered to be suspect.

However, a press release by the BCCSL's Chief Executive Dammika Ranatunga yesterday states that following a complaint by the BCCSL to the ICC Chief Executive, the ICC CEO had issued a press release that there had been no report by the Match Referee or the umpires.

Following are the text of the press releases by the BCCSL's CEO and the ICC's CEO:

"On 15th January 1999 we were informed by the BCCSL representative in Australia that various news items have appeared in print and electronic media in relation to an alleged interview given by the match referee Mr. Peter van der Merwe.

BCCSL informed Mr. David Richards, Chief Executive of the ICC who was in Australia at that time of the situation and made a complaint to the ICC of the conduct of the ICC match referee in this instance.

In response to our complaint, ICC Chief Executive has made a press release where it is stated that there is no report by the match referee or the umpires on Muttiah Muralitharan. A copy of it is attached for your information.

The BCCSL wishes to state that since 1996 todate, none of the umpires have made an official complaint in relation to Muttiah Muralitharan's bowling action. However, in 1997 during our series against India, International Cricket Council informed BCCSL that ICC match referee Mr. Bob Simpson has informed them of Muttiah Muralitharan having a suspect action. The ICC, in turn, has adopted the procedure in relation to the situation of this nature, where seven members of the test playing countries along with the Chairman Cricket Committee for ICC Sir Clyde Walcott, have gone through the video footage of Muttiah Muralitharan's bowling action in the relevant series and unanimously agreed that his action was fair.

It must be stated that the members of this panel are nominated by the respective full member countries and they are past cricketers of repute who have played the game at the highest level".

If there is uncertainty about a bowler's action, the following process is available to an umpire or a referee. The umpire may advise the referee of this doubt and the referee shall request the home Board to instruct the official television network to discreetly obtain footage of the player from different angles using a mix of normal speed and slow-motion cameras.

The resulting video is then sent to the ICC office in London where it is duplicated and distributed to a 9 man Advisory Panel on Illegal Deliveries, led by the Chairman of the Cricket Committee, Sir Clyde Walcott.

That Panel will convene by tele-conference and reach a decision on whether there is a problem with the player's action. If so, the player's Board will be requested to withdraw the player from International cricket and have him undergo remedial action.

It is ICC policy not to reveal the name of any player going through this process, as that may be prejudicial to his public image and to the assessment of him by umpires in subsequent matches.

Notwithstanding this policy, it is public knowledge that Muttiah Muralidharan's action was referred to the Panel in late 1997. At that time, the Panel determined on the video evidence available to them, that.

Subsequently, it has been reported that Muralitharan has been "cleared" by ICC. The Panel can only decide on what has happened, not what may happen. Boards and players understand that an umpire can apply Law 24.2, or the above process can be re-activated, at any time, but without an umpire pre-judging the situation.

The ICC referee is able to explain this policy to media. Mr. Peter van der Merwe, in recently doing so, left the impression that an official report had been made against Muralidharan."

Public comment about any player's action by an umpire or referee is not consistent with the confidential nature of the ICC Panel process, and Mr. van der Merwe will be making no further public comment on this matter during or after the tour.

SYDNEY, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The International Cricket Council (ICC) weighed into the debate over Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan on Saturday, denying reports that he had been reported for a suspect bowling action.

Doubts over Muralitharan's action resurfaced on Friday after South African umpire Peter Van Der Merwe told journalists in Australia he would be submitting a report asking the ICC to review the Sri Lankan's action.

Van Der Merwe, currently in Australia as match referee for the tri-series limited-overs tournament among Australia, England and Sri Lanka, also indicated that at least two umpires had expressed doubt over Muralitharan's action in their match reports.

But the ICC said in a statement on Saturday that Van Der Merwe's comments had been misunderstood and Muralitharan had not been reported.

"Mr Peter Van Der Merwe...left the impression that an official report had been made against Muralitharan. He has since confirmed that there is no report by himself or by any umpire," the ICC said.

The ICC also said that Van Der Merwe had been instructed to make no further comment on the issue.

Muralitharan has long been accused by umpires of throwing the ball instead of bowling it, but this latest episode has enraged the Sri Lankan team.

"Someone must take responsibility for this absurd situation," Sri Lankan manager Ranjith Fernando said. "The question I would like to ask everyone is: 'Is this fair?'"

Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga said: "He is a tough little character and I feel very sad for him. It's very unfair for him."

Ranatunga said he was not suprised that the latest allegations had coincided with the team's tour of Australia.

"He's taking it really well. It's not the right thing to do to a sportsman," Ranatunga said. "To try and brand him as a thrower is not the right thing."

At least two Australian umpires have expressed doubts in the past about the legitimacy of Muralitharan's action, including Darrell Hair, who no-balled the Sri Lankan seven times during a test match in 1995.

The ICC investigated Muralitharan's action after several other umpires complained but eventually cleared him of any wrongdoing.

Earlier this week, the ICC announced it was charging Hair under the umpire's Code of Conduct after he criticised Muralitharan's action in a book.

by Srian Obeyesekera
Sri Lanka's tour of Australia has once again run into controversy as in 1995. Again it is off spinner Muttiah Muralitheran's bowling action that has been questioned. This time by South African match referee, Van der Merwe who had been quoted by the media as saying that the Lankan off spinner's action was suspect and he would be reporting the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

However, following a statement by the ICC's Chief Executive, D. Richards that the ICC had not heard from Van der Merwe as to Muralitheran's action, the question has arisen whether some ICC -member Western countries, officials and media wan't to tarnish Sri Lanka's image. Furthermore, swift action by the Sri Lankan cricket authorities has resulted in the match referee been warned by the ICC's Chief Executive that he was bound by its conditions against giving interviews to the media on such issues.

Van der Merwe had cast doubts as to Muralitheran's bowling action soon after Sri Lanka's one-day match against Australia in the ongoing Carlton and United Triangular Series.

During Sri Lanka's tour of Australia in 1995, the team lost badly mainly due to the Muralitheran controversy while also having to put up with brickbats from the Australian players as well as the media.

This year's tour could also lead to the Sri Lankan players having to contend with a campaign by the Aussie media and officials. More so in view of the fact that home umpire Darrell Hair was forced to stand down from officiating in matches that Sri Lanka would be playing following an ICC directive which upheld a protest by the Sri Lankan cricket authorities.

The current Sri Lankan tour could run into further trouble when Muralitheran will be in action with umpire Emerson, who also happened to call him for chucking in 1995, down to stand in some matches.

Following this smear campaign, what cricket lovers back home ask is whether Sri Lanka should call off its tour of Australia.

by Hafiz Marikar, our Kandy Sports Corr.
The new rugby coach of the national side, Nimal Lewke is one of the best the country has and much will be expected of him, especially with the Phuket Sevens to be held in Thailand. Lewke succeeds Ana Saranapala who is stepping down.

Lewke is a product of St. Sylvester's College, Kandy. He had an illustrious career having excelled in several sports including boxing cricket, football, hockey and above all rugby. Coached by the late Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Maurice Perera, Lewke's contemporaries were Y. C. Chang, Gavin Stevens, Jayantissa, Chang Faa Ching, George Jayasena, Gamini Udugama, Sunil Munasinghe, Jeremy Pereira to name a few.

Lewke was a fine flanker and scrum half during his day and represented Kandy Sports Club during a distinguished career dating back to the 1970's and '80s. He later represented Police Sports Club from 1972 to 1980 and went on to donn the national jersey. He led Police SC in 1980. He was also selected as the 'Sportsman of the Year' when he was honoured by the Police Sports Club. He went on to become one of the finest coaches having coached Havelocks Sports Club and Kandy SC when the club won the tripple under Saman Kothalawala.

By Shirajiv Sirimane
The Duncan White Sports Foundation (DWSF) has nominated both Damayanthi Dharsha and Sugath Tilakaratne as joint recipients of the coveted Duncan White Memorial Award for the year 1998.

This was announced by the President of the DWSF, Jennifer Moragoda, at a press conference last Thursday at Hotel Oberoi. The DWSF considered the fact that Dharsha won two golds in both the 200m. and 400m. at the last Asian Games. Sugath was named joint award recipient considering he won a gold and bronze (200m) at the ASIAD and a bronze at the Commonwealth Games.

She also announced that a merit award would be presented to Sriyani Kulawansa for winning a silver at the Commonwealth and a bronze at the ASIAD at the 100m. herdles. Janaka and Jeerasinghe who won a bronze at the ASIAD will receive a special award.

"We know that hurdles is a more complicated event than the sprints, but we have to consider the Asian Golds as well," said Vijitha Fernando Acting Secretary cum Treasurer of the DWSF.

The Duncan White Foundation held a press conference last Thursday to nominate recipients for the coverted duncan White Memorial Award, at the Lanka Oberoi Hotel. From left to right the Committee members JAMES LANEROLLE, STANLEY UNAMBUWE (founder members), KEN BALENDRA, (past President), JENNIFER MORAGODA (President), VIJITHA FERNANDO) (Acting Secretary), KHAVAN RAMBUKWELLA (former President) and ELMO RAJASOORIYA (founder member). - (Pic. by JUDE DENZIL PATHIRAJA)

He also disclosed that unlike in previous years the Association would not give cash prizes but instead give away gold coins to both Dharsha and Sugath. "They have got a lot of money and we thought of giving them these coins, which will each be valued over Rs. 50,000," he said. The other three award winners too will collect a gold medal each along with a special trophy. "This year too the Federal Express will be the sponsor for the event," he said.

Airing her views on the ceremony, she said that it will be held on Saturday March 6 at 5 p.m. onwards at Trinity College, Kandy.

Back to Trinity
The Foundation has also decided to hand over the Duncan White Trophy to Trinity College. A new trophy will be presented this year.

"Angela, wife of Duncan White who passed away last year, is likely to fly to Sri Lanka to present the award," she said.

Answering a question as to what the Foundation would do next year to celebrate its 10th year, Fernando said that it was too early to comment. "The DWSF was the first body to organize an award ceremony of this magnitude. We gave the highest prize money.

The DWSF set up standards for others to follow" said Fernando. He also disclosed that even the Government had recognised the Foundation and had classified its last year's ceremony as a part of the countries 50th Year Independence celebrations. He thanked Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar, a founder member of the DWSF for mooting this.

History of the DWSF
The brain child of the Foundation was mooted, way back in 1988 in the United States at an informal meeting. Three stalwarts and founder members of the DWSF, Mohamed Mushin, now a Vice President of the World Bank, James Lanerolle, Managing Director, Upali Newspapers Ltd and Charitha Ratwatte then Secretary of the Sports Ministry discussed the fine points of this foundation.

Later Vijitha Fernando, another top official from the World Bank too joined along with several top yester year sportsmen to draft the constitution and get the Foundation off the ground.

C. V. Gooneratne, Minister of Industries and Industrial Development, who was in the Opposition incorporated the DWSF bill in parliament while in the Opposition benches.

BAROOGA, Australia, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Sri Lanka cruised to an emphatic 63-run win over an Australian Country XI in a limited-overs cricket match on Saturday.

The Sri Lankans, despite resting several key players, compiled an imposing total of 285 then dismissed the locals for 222.

Stand-in captain Sanath Jayasuriya led the Sri Lankan run scoring spree with 86 from just 62 balls.

The tourists, resting both skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and star spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, had looked to be heading towards an even bigger total until a late collapse saw them lose their last five wickets for 41 runs to be all out in 49.3 overs.

The locals, made up of part-time players from rural Australia, were always in trouble chasing the world champions' total.

Wicketkeeper Simon Moore provided the greatest resistence with 48 but they were eventually dismissed in the 49th over.

Sri Lanka's next match is against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday in the tri-series tournament which also includes Australia.

Sri Lanka are currently at the bottom of the standings with two losses from as many matches.

S.Jayasuriya b Wrixon 86
A.Goonewardene c Jesberg b Smith 1
M.Atapattu st Moore b Wrixon 36
M.Jayawardene c Wrixon b Fuchs 47
R.Mahanama c Wrixon b Fuchs 20
H.Tillekeratne c Saliacus b Haworth 40
U.Chandana c Wrixon b Jesberg 12
S.Perera c Jesberg b Saliacus 12
R.Perera c Moore b Saliacus 1
T.Samaraweera c Moore b Smith 7
N.Zoysa not out 9
Extras (lb-3 nb-3 w-8) 14

Bowling: Smith 7-0-40-2 (w-4), Saliacus 6.3-0-28-2 (nb-2), Jesberg 8-0-55-1 (w-3), Haworth 8-1-43-1, Wrixon 10-0-46-2, Fuchs 10-1-70-2 (nb-1 w-1)

A.McQuire c Jayawardene b Zoysa 16
G.Grimmond c Tillekeratne b Zoysa 3
B.May c Tillekeratne b Jayawardene 18
C.Hayworth b S.Perera 27
J.Mosey lbw b Samaraweera 2
S.Moore c R.Perera b Chandana 48
C.Jesberg b Samaraweera 34
S.Fuchs c Jayawardene b R.Perera 7
M.Saliacus b Chandana 28
B.Smith not out 13
D.Wrixon b Chandana 0
Extras (lb-7 nb-4 w-15) 26
Total (48.4 overs ) 222

Fall of wickets: 1-13 2-36 3-64 4-81 5-82 6-157 7-165 8-199 9-222 10-222 Bowling: Zoyza 8-0-28-2 (nb-4 w-3), R.Perera 9-0-41-1 (w-3), Jayawardene 6-0-35-1 (w-2), S.Perera 6-0-26-1 (w-6), Samaraweera 10-0-39-2 (w-1), Chandana 9.2-0-46-3.

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
All Sri Lankan supporters will be hoping that today, our national team, carrying the tag of world champions, will reverse a run of 7 successive losses in One-day International cricket. If one takes into account our clashes against Australia A, Sri Lanka has actually lost 9 of the last 10 games. A dismal track record by any standards. Is it the end of the world? Certainly not. Where this particular tournament is concerned, Sri Lanka has still a chance of storming back into reckoning. Hopefully, with Aravinda coming back into the side - according to reports filtering from Australia at the time of writing and Jayasuriya along with Hashan showing glimpses of their old form, there is still a possibility.

A SPECIALIST BATSMAN AT NO. 8?
Now let us look at the flip side. Why was Mahanama sent in at No. 8 with just a handful of overs remaining? Or, put another way, how come Mahela and Chandana were sent in to bat before Mahanama? That move would certainly have not helped boost the confidence of a tried and tested man struggling to find form. Rather it certainly would have the opposite effect, though the tour selectors may not have realised it. A player's mental state is crucial when performing. When a player, though still being one of the best fielder in the world - when placed in his accustomed positions - and is trying to make a comeback. He must be encouraged. But, when the self-same player, a specialist batsman who has also opened the batting, is sent in to bat at No. 8 what are the tour selectors expecting from him? Before the game against Australia, at Sydney, began, Mahanama had played in 202 ODI's at a batting average of 30, and was just 61 short of 5000 runs with 4 centuries and 34 fifties. Chandana, on the other hand, had played in a mere fifth of this number (40 ODI's) with a highest score of 27* (!) at an average of less than 15, having aggregated a meagre 334 runs in his career. Newcomer Mahela has just begun his career having played just 6 ODI's and not even put together 100 ODI runs though, unlike Chandana, he has recorded one half-century. Additionally, where using the long-handle is concerned, Chandana is no C. I. Gunasekera - as his ODI record proves - and, what Mahela could hope to achieve, so would Mahanama have. Somehow one gets the impression that Mahanama has to, on quite a few occasions, been made to perform under pressure to retain his position despite his track record. Replacing Mahanama is not the issue, finding one suitable to do so is the point.

SHADES OF AFRIDI IN GILCHRIST?
Looking back at the Australian game and the batting of Gilchrist, brought back-painful memories of another opening dasher, Shahid Afridi of Pakistan who reached a record century in 37 balls at Nairobi in the Sameer 4-nation Cup tournament against Sri Lanka, in 1996-97. Our bowlers went on pitching up to him and continued being belted over their heads - and into the carpark! None had the foresight to get Afridi on the backfoot during that onslaught. Maybe, it was too quick! However, when it was done in subsequent games, possibly after dressing room discussions - wasn't Dave Whatmore in the dressing room and didn't he request to be released from his contract while on this tour? - including, in the final against the scheming South Africans, Afridi was blunted. The South Africans had Afridi swishing and missing at short deliveries before sending a catch to wicket-keeper Richardson for a mere 14 runs off the bowling of Donald. In fact, Sri Lanka too adopted the same strategy subsequently with better results. Similarly, in the game against Australia, I believe, Gilchrist was given too many liberties to play his favourite sweep/pull to leg. Perhaps, our boys may have already cottoned on to it during post match discussions. Let us wish them the best for the rest of the tournament.

LAWYERS, COACHES AND PR CONSULTANTS
In addition to the legal firm and a public relations company employed by our Cricket Board for any contingency in Australia, a news report indicates that we have also obtained the services of Daryll Foster, a coach - or is it two, with Bruce Yardley? - to be a consultant. All this means a lot of money, and in any event, where the cricket is concerned, what about our own coach Roy Dias? Isn't that a vote of no-confidence against him? We hear many hosannas being sung, by those who matter, about local coaches, then why ask foreigners to be our consultants? Rather confusing, to say the least.

WHY IGNORE AN EXPATRIATE'S PROPOSAL?
Fears that Muralitharan will be no-balled by the Australian umpires, have arisen yet again. Is it as a reprisal for the action take by Sri Lanka regarding Hair, resulting in the ICC having referred the matter back to the Australian Cricket Board? In other words, nothing will come off his exercise. It is pure intrigue. In this regard, an eminent Sri Lankan expatriate who possesses, inter alia, a couple of doctorates in law, in addition was 'an editor of and contributor for 7 years to a journal which monitored bias and unfairness in the Australian media', has sent me a paper on 'Learning the lessons from the Past'. This learned gentlemen who had made a proposal to help Sri Lankan cricket authorities - free of charge, of course - and iron out the problem regarding Muralitharan and our cricketing image, before the tour was to begin, was given short shrift by the local representative of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board in Australia. The proposals, which I hold, will be made public in due course. The representative "has declined to answer telephone messages and a written communication" and indicated to a third party that "we know what we are doing". Whilst acknowledging the fact that one cannot listen to every Charlie down the road, but when a suggestion is made by an eminent personality - from our own land - who has had extensive experience in the particular field, he should have been at least given an ear. Instead, our Cricket Board engaged - at great cost, no doubt - a legal firm and a public relations company to do exactly what our expatriate's proposal would also have achieved - at no cost. May be, our servile colonial attitude still prevails.

APPOINTMENT OF A LIAISON OFFICER
There was yet another news report of an alleged appointment of a liaison officer for the Sri Lankan team during the upcoming World Cup. Questions were raised about his suitability. It must be remembered that we go into the World Cup as the reigning champions and it is imperative that whoever is appointed should conduct himself efficiency and carry himself with dignity and a certain amount of aplomb. Officially we are the top dogs, so we should not appoint some tail-wagging mongrel. It will simply be not fair by our country and our players.

On the final day of the 7th FESPIC GAMES, BANGKOK on Friday Sri Lanka won a further gold medal and bronze medal to take Sri Lanka's tally to a rich haul of 10 medals.

Chaminda Priyadarshana (SL Army) was the super-star of the Competitors from Sri Lanka winning his third gold medal in the 80 metre free style swimming event for men.

Mudiyanse Wijetunge of the Sri Lanka Army won the Bronze medal in the same event, with Japan winning the silver.

Sri Lanka, at the conclusion of the FESPKGAMES, bagged 03 gold medals, 3 silver and 4 bronzes medals making a total haul of 10 medals.

Elco Rehabilitation Council nominated 19 competitors and 16 officials headed by Anwer Dole, Hony. Executive Chairman; and Secretary General, Sri Lanka Thilaka Tissa Kurukulanatha, the Pioneer architect of Sri Lanka's Disabled Sports and Arts.

This achievement by ESCO has indicated the steady progress made by this non-governmental body during the last 18 years. It is a record, achievement in any of the Regional Events or International Events for the Disabled and the non-disabled in Sri Lanka.

ESCO-Sri Lanka's participation was sponsored by the President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, and the Kobbekaduwa Trust Foundation, Air Lanka, Bank of Ceylon, Southern Province Provincial Council and Ministry of Social Services and the Mount Lavinia Hotel.

By Srian Obeyesekere
Once upon a time Sri Lankan cricket was better known in the eyes of the international cricketing world for its chivalry in defeat. The flatter and falter saga where our cricketers went down gallantly in defeat. That was when our cricket was striving to shed off its 'minnows' tag in search of recognition by the international community. That was in the 1970-80s.

Since those formative years with Sri Lanka cutting a niche both at Test as well as one-day cricket it looked as if this tiny isle had come of age. Beating some of the giants in the game at Test level and in its wake emerging world champions of one-day cricket three years ago saw the international world begin to look at Sri Lanka as a force to be reckoned with.

But then, just as Sri Lanka seemed to have been steered from a melancholic age to altogether new heights by a new look band of cricketers under the steadying leadership of a player who blossomed from a schoolboy dream debut in Arjuna Ranatunga, our cricket has reflectively taken a turn for the worse of flattering and faltering. Seven successive one-day defeats from the Dhaka Mini World Cup to the Sharjah Champions Trophy to two successive defeats at the hands of little fancied England followed by Australia adds to that gloom that has enveloped Sri Lankan cricket all of a sudden.

With the 1999 World Cup just four and a half months away in mid-May and June, Sri Lanka, as defending champions needs to raise its standard from its mediocrity if Ranatunga and his charges are to emerge world champions for the second time. What the Board of Control of Cricket in Sri Lanka (BCCSL) would have to take cognizance is the ascendancy of England in one-day cricket where the English have taken a leaf from Sri Lanka's book. This was well manifested by the new-look England under Alec Stewart. Ironically, from the old school which has borrowed from the Sri Lankan dimension in batting. Slogging in the first 15 overs i.e. Nick Knight. Strikingly, the usually obdurate English batsmen took a leaf from Sri Lanka to beat Sri Lanka in their first match at Brisbane in the ongoing Carlton and United Triangular Series. Significantly, while the old guard of cricket has lifted its standard that had long declined in one-day cricket, at the last World Cup in 1995-96, Australia, on the other hand, has as well built up its one-day image since losing to Sri lanka in the final at Lahore. Although not on the same lines as Sri Lanka which has not deviated much in terms of Test and one-day teams, the Kangaroos have as it is evolved from the Lankan concept in building up its one-day side for the coming World Cup.

It is in such a context the world champions, Sri Lanka ironically finds itself with the coming World Cup where its standard has sadly taken a backward step. The batting has declined, the bowling lost its sting and the fielding in shambles as was seen in Sri Lanka's second game against Australia where regulation catches were grassed. Sri Lanka owed much of its World Cup success to its fielding as much as its strong batting and bowling which was on a high.

The sudden decline has seen Sri Lanka come in for much flak from critics as well as fans. Of course in 1995 Sri Lanka had the services of a foreign coach in Dav Whatmore who was committed to drilling the side to a winning formula.

The current tour of Australia should like in 1995 see the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka take necessary measures to mould a side with emphasis on winning the next World Cup. Remarkably, left hand batsman, Hashan Tillekeratne has come back to form as the NCC batsman has demonstrated on the tour of Australia so far. Two half centuries, one an unbeaten innings saw Tillekeratne demonstrate that technique has much to do in batting in contrast to having a heave at every ball. Sri Lanka needs a batsman of that mould to hold its batting together.

Meanwhile, the omission of the highly talented Suresh Perera in the two matches against England and Australia saw Sri Lanka at under-strength. He is a bowler who bowls a good line and length which the coach and manager should have looked to further develop instead of sidelining him. Perera is also a fair batsman who had a score of 48 on the tour of England in a one-day match where he showed much flair in driving the ball like a star batsman. Also, the discarding of batsman Avishka Gunawardena has left much to be desired. Gunawardena displayed that he is a batsman for the future with a century knock at the Commonwealth Games while in Sharjah he struck a 28-ball half century against India. True, he did fail subsequently on that tour, but he displayed enough flair which the coach Roy Dias and Manager Ranjith Fernando should have looked to further develop instead of sidelining him to the reserve benches.

As it is, the cricket authorities here should consider whether a foreign coach is necessary in the build up to the all important World Cup. If the coach and manager concentrate on developing the talent at hand, Sri Lanka can yet defend its World Cup title successfully.

The talent is there. But is the management really working on the talent at hand?

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
Sri Lanka's Aravinda de Silva holds a unique record in the history of Test cricket. It is the mark for the longest consecutive run in Test cricket before recording his first 'duck'. From the time when the 18-year-old de Silva made his Test debut, at Lord's in 1984, until Zimbabwean paceman Heath Streak dismissed him without scoring in the second Test in the 1994-95 series at the new grounds (Test cricket's 73rd venue) at Queen's Park in Bulawayo, the brilliant Sri Lankan right-hand batsman had not been dismissed for 0. During this decade, Aravinda had batted a total of 75 successive Test innings before the first dreaded blob appeared against his name. The nearest to Aravinda, of those who have gone on the longest before being dismissed without scoring for the first time in a Test, is the former legendary West Indian skipper and their current Manager, Clive Lloyd. Having made his Test debut in 1966-67, against India, Lloyd had a run of 58 successive innings before succumbing to his first zero. It was England's Derek Underwood who snaffled the gangling Lloyd during the first Test in the 1973-74 series, and it was again at Queen's Park, only this ground was in Trinidad!

THE SRI LANKAN CONNECTION
Though a Sri Lankan heads the list of those with the longest run before recording his first duck, another Sri Lankan, former Test wicket-keeper Guy de Alwis has the ignominy of having registered 4 consecutive ducks. Of course, there he is in good company with the controversial Mark Waugh - who suffered this fate against Sri Lanka in 1992-93! - India's opening batsman of the '50's, Pankaj Roy, and South Africa's Bob Crisp who recorded two 'pairs' in consecutive Tests within a space of 5 balls, and a few others. Then, there is another Sri Lankan, the now-developed Marvan Atapattu who was dismissed for 5 ducks - 0,0,0,1,0,0 - in his first 6 innings. The longest run of successive ducks in Test cricket is the dubious record held by former Australian spinner, Bob Holland, who has 5 to his 'credit'.

England's former skipper, David Gower holds the record for the longest sequence of Test innings without a 'blob' against his name. The languid left-hander who -very unlike an English batsman - hit the first ball he faced - off Pakistani paceman Liaquat Ali in 1978 - in Test cricket for a four, had a run of 119 consecutive innings without recording a 0. Next in line is former West Indies skipper Richie Richardson with 96 innings, followed by, former Australian skipper Allan Border (89) and England's Ken Barrington (78).

BRADMAN AND NOUGHTS
Even the mighty Don Bradman - who failed to score in 7 of his 80 Test innings - managed the longest run of a mere 20 consecutive innings without scoring. That sequence began from his unimpressive debut, against England in 1928-29, until little-known West Indian paceman, Herman Griffith, bowled The Don for his first 0 in Tests at the Sydney Cricket Ground in the 1930-31 series when the tourists having lost the first 4 Tests managed to beat Australia by the slender margin of 30 runs. When Bradman fails, Australia used to generally follow suit! Of course, history tells us that The Don scored sufficiently in the intervening innings -including the most famous last innings 0 at The Oval in 1948 - to end up with a staggering Test average of 99.94. One of the most poignant 'ducks' in the history of Test cricket was the occasion when the South African opening batsman, Jimmy Cook, was rolled over by India's Kapil Dev off the first ball of the historic Test in 1992 at Durban when South Africa was re-admitted into the Test fold after 22 years. It was 39-year-old Jimmy Cook's first Test as well. In addition to Bradman's much-publicised final-innings-second-ball duck there was the drama-filled occasion when he was dismissed first ball by England's paceman Bill Bowes from the first ball The Don faced during the acrimonious 'Body-line' series in 1932-33.

SHANE WARNE - THE MOST OVER THE FENCE?
From the gloomy depths of noughts to the airy land of sixes. There again, Aravinda is listed amongst the first ten Test batsmen of all-time to have scored the most number of sixes, according to research done by an Australian Ross Smith, a reference officer employed at the Queen Victoria museum and Art Gallery in Tasmania. The first three places are, predictably, held by former West Indian batsmen. There was a time, young people, when the most dashing batsmen in cricket were the calypso cricketers from the Carribean! They are Viv Richards (84) followed by Clive Lloyd (69) and the third place is shared by Gordon Greenidge and England's Ian Botham (67 each). Aravinda de Silva (39) is in slot No. 9 while in order of ascendancy is Wasim Akram (41), Carl Hooper (50), Imran Khan (55) and Kapil Dev (58). Interestingly, Ross' research seems to point at Shane Warne as the bowler who has been sent over the ropes the most times (67) by batsmen in Test cricket.

HE SCORED A FIFTH OF HIS RUNS IN SIXES
England's Ken Barrington, considered usually as a stodgy, strokeless batsman, holds the unique record of reaching three figures in a Test with a six, most times. He did it on four occasions, and second on this list - with three - is our own Aravinda de Silva. West Indian, Michael Holding, called the Rolls Royce among fast bowlers scored a meagre 910 runs in his glorious career of 60 Tests. Yet, like his bowling, he liked to do it fast. He had hit 34 sixes (204 runs) or 22% of his runs in sixes, while Australian batsman David Boon who aggregated 7422 runs, had hit only a solitary six in his Test career.

HOW KAPIL DEV SKINNED THE CAT
The most number of sixes in a Test innings (12) was achieved by Pakistani all-rounder Wasim Akram when he scored 257* against Zimbabwe in 1996-97 at Sheikhupura. The next best was England's Walter Hammond (10) when he blasted 336* in 1932-33 against the then newcomers to the Test arena, New Zealand, at Auckland. But, it was the Indian all-rounder Kapil Dev who holds the record for the most number of consecutive sixes hit in Test cricket. The cold statistics merely state that in 1990, Kapil hit 4 successive sixes at Lord's' no less, off Eddie Hemmings the off-spinner. But thereby hangs a tale. India needed 24 runs to avert the follow-on with their last pair of Kapil Dev and leg-spinner Narendra Hirwani - a typical no. 11 - at the crease when Hemmings began the over to Kapil. Obviously, Kapil knew that though there are many ways to skin a cat, he opted for the shortest method. Kapil studiously played the first two balls down - and the next four went sailing over long- on!! So, the follow-on was averted, and Angus Fraser dismissed Hirwani with his first delivery in the next over, proving Kapil's action as timely. India lost that Test, but Graham Gooch, the England captain who began his Test career with the dreaded 'pair' 15 years earlier, had to aggregate 456 runs - the highest-ever scored in a Test by a batsman - among other things, to beat the defiant Indians. This is what orthodox cricket is all about. There are no cheap thrills, but when it thrills, it stays thrilled.

by Althaf Nawaz
A brilliant century by Ramesh de Silva guided Bloomfield to first innings points over SSC in their Premier League Championship cricket encounter at Maitland Place yesterday.

Resuming from overnight score of 135 for one wicket, Bloomfield, in their first innings made 274, thanks to a well compiled century by Ramesh de Silva. He struck one towering six and 16 fours. He was well assisted by Sajeeka Abeynayake who struck a brisk 66 in clusive of 12 boundaries.

SSC in their second essay, were 149 for three wickets at the close on day two. Skipper Hemantha Wickremaratne was unbeaten on 55 with one six and five fours while Shantha Kalavitigoda was undefeated on 45. Kalavitigoda struck six boundaries.

Meanwhile Moors collected first innings points over BRC in their cricket encounter at Havelock Town yesterday.

Resuming from an overnight score of 125 for six wickets Moors, just managed to overhaul the BRC score of 178 totalling 185 for a thin lead of seven runs. Ashan Ranaweera top scored with 53. Duminda Perera bowled a marathon spell to claim six wickets for 64 runs. BRC in their second essay were skittled out for 173 runs. Once again Duminda Perera contributed with a brisk 60 inclusive of four sixes and five fours. Indika Batuvitarachchi too chipped in with a timely half century. Moors Skipper Chandika Haturusinghe claimed four wickets while Rangana Herath accounted for six wickets for 59 runs. Chasing a target of 166 runs for victory, Moors were 19 for no loss at stumps on day two.

NCC tumble for 105
A devastating spell of seam bowling by Indika Gallage and Romesh Fernando enabled CCC to bowl out NCC for 105 runs in their cricket encounter at Maitland Crescent yesterday.

After posting a formidable first innings total of 241, CCC seam bowlers checked the NCC batsmen with some accurate bowling. NCC was able to add only 53 runs to their overnight score.

Gallage, who is improving with each match, accounted for four wickets while Fernando captured five wickets.

CCC in their second innings were 176 for seven wickets at the close with Romesh Fernando unbeaten on 27.

SSC 193 and 149 for 3 at close (S. Kalavitigoda 45 n.o., H. Wickremaratne 55 n.o., U. Fernando 19).

BLOOMFIELD 135 for one wicket overnight, 274 all out (R. de Silva 117, S. Abeynayake 66, T. Gunaratne 26, B. de Silva 19, J. Silva 5/105, H. Jayasuriya 3/135, S. Ranatunga 2/43).

BRC 178 and 173 all out (I. Batuwitarachchi 57, D. Perera 60, C. Haturusinghe 4/48, R. Herath 6/59).

MOORS 125 for 6 wkts overnight, 185 all out (A. Ranaweera 53, M. Palihakkara 28, C. Bandaratilake 20, D. Madurapperuma 2/57, D. Perera 6/64) and 19 for no loss.

CCC 241 and 176 for 7 wkts. at close. (Y. Tillekeratne 46, D. Hunukumbara 21, D. Arnolda 21, R. Fernando 27 n.o., L. Hannibal 2/25, J. Sigera 2/47).

NCC 52 for three wkts overnight, 105 all out (K. Sangakkara 38, S. Madanayake 17, I. Gallage 4/47, R. Fernando 5/27).

The 16th annual national rowing championships to be held on February 20 at the Colombo Rowing Club waters is expected to draw stiff competition with several schools and clubs taking part. Organisers said that this time entries for the event had doubled with for the first time schools like Mahanama College, Musaeus, St. Joseph's and Ladies College also joining the fray.

As usual the strong contenders for honours will be S. Thomas' College, Mt. Lavinia and Royal College, Colombo with the Colombo Rowing Club, Sri Lanka Army, Colombo University also expected to give stiff competition.

This year, the organisers intend to categorise the competitors according to their ages which would enable to make the sport more competitive.