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Herath (4/54) bamboozles Aussies after De Saram fireworks

by Jatila Karawita
A penetrative spell of leg spin bowling by left-armer Rangana Herath, who returned wonderful figures of 22-5-54-4,helped Sri Lanka Board XI dismiss Australia for a modest first innings total of 175,to take a valuable 53 run lead at the close on the second day of their four day warm up fixture at the P Sara Stadium yesterday.

Herath, bowling in tandem with right arm leg spinner Nimesh Perera who captured 2 for 49, simply ran through the Australian lower middle batting, after the exit of Skipper Waugh for a top score of 42, to press his claim for a test place in the national team ahead of the first test due to start at Asgiriya in Kandy next week.

It was young Rangana Herath who was instrumental in breaking a 76-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, when he bowled Ponting through the gate with a beautifully flighted leg break which the batsman new nothing of.

Ponting made the second top score of 35 in the Australian innings, with four boundaries, while his skipper’s knock of 42 which came off 80 balls was laced with seven fours before the veteran Aussie cricketer was trapped plum in front going on the back foot to leg spinner Nimesh Perera, with the total on 140.

Another brief 35-run stand for the seventh wicket between tail end batsmen Shane Warne ( 18), and Colin Miller ( 15) eventually enabled the tourists, to exceed the 150 run mark, whilst the local Board XI spin duo of Rangana Herath and Nimesh Perera shared 6 wickets among them for a cost of 103 runs.

Earlier, a high class exhibition of fast bowling from Australian paceman Glen Mcgrath who claimed figures of 4 for 52 in 18 overs, helped the visitors to restrict the Board XI to 228 having resumed from their overnight score of 69 for 2, with lanky opening bat Russel Arnold ( 63), and emerging batsman Indika De Saram (67) being the principal scorers.

Arnold’s 63 which realised of 108 deliveries comprised ten fours, as he treated the Aussie pace and spin attack with equal dexterity, before offering a simple caught and bowled opportunity to McGrath with the total at 99.

Arnold was also involved in a 54-run stand for the third wicket with his skipper Hashan Thillekaratne who too chipped in with a typically obdurate 16 before nicking the same bowler to wicket-keeper Ian Healy, who had a hand in five dismissals in the Board XI innings.

Young De Saram held the lower middle order of the Board XI well, partnered by wicket-keeper bat Prasanna Jayawardene. They added 52 runs for the seventh wicket, which ultimately allowed them to set-up a challenging total on the board.

De Saram, who top scored for his team in the end, treated all the Aussie bowlers on its merits, and when he was finally dislodged, stumped by Healy off the bowling of Stuart McGill he had faced 135 balls and cracked nine fours and a towering six off Shane Warne during his most enterprising knock, which should give some food for thought to the selectors, before they sit down to pick the squad for the Kandy Test.

For the tourists, apart from McGrath, leg spin twins Stuart McGill (2/42) and Shane Warne (2/37) were also among the wickets.

C O M M E N T
The young voyagers corral Waugh’s warriors

by Srian Obeyesekere
Coming back from nothingness to take the cake from world champions Australia in a triangular in putting behind a run of long one-day losses has signified a resurgence by former champions, Sri Lanka. A silver lining in the horizon as Sri Lankan cricket sets off on a new voyage with a band of young voyagers. That Sri Lanka struck a balance with a blend of limited experience and relative new blood in beating Steve Waugh’s seasoned warriors fairly and squarely is in itself a victory for this country in the short version of the game.

Still more satisfying, the fact that the new brooms combined in an effective all round show of strength in knocking the daylights out of a side that was still basking in the twilight of thrashing some of the big names in the game not so long ago on the way to instant cricket’s holy grail. An Aussie columnist had lamented that Waugh was struck by ill omens that started with all-rounder Tom Moody crying out with an allergy related inflammation.

Be that as it may, here was an Australian side which boasted in its pack a deck of cards that had brought down the high riding South Africans and Pakistan at the world cup ‘99. In comparison, it was a relatively under strength revamped Sri Lankan outfit that matched the skills of Steve Waugh, twin brother Mark, leg spin wizard Shane Warne, batsman cum acrobatic fielder Ricky Ponting, batting ace Adam Gilchrist, the ever reliable one-day specialist with the bat Michael Bevan. Not to mention the fearsome hurler of the red cherry Glen McGrath known to harmonise in the wicket taking act with one of the most established of his art in swing bowling in Damien Fleming.

From a Sri Lankan point of view, the new captaincy material of Sanath Jayasuriya won a fiery baptism in a triangular that also saw a strong Indian side under the leadership of batting wonder boy, Sachin Tendulkar in the reckoning. In the event, Jayasuriya came out with flying colours. He displayed astute leadership qualities, marshalling the team as an unit, wringing in the correct bowling changes while leading from the front in cavalier fashion with the bat. Still more importantly, the youngsters, especially the new finds like Indika de Saram, Chamara Silva and Suresh Perera displayed great temperament. The strong point being their fielding with some brilliant catches taken and equally brilliant run outs which as Waugh later conceded made a big difference between the two sides in the final. Strikingly, left hand batsman Russel Arnold infused a balmy touch to the batting in the pivotal No. 3 slot giving that much needed solidity. Strong on the leg side, neat in deflection and sound in defence. Leaving no room for rashness in his book being a hallmark in his batting.

Of the new lot, right hander, Indika de Saram sounds as exciting as ever, his ability to blend sound defence with aggression giving him that sword edge as he suddenly cuts loose on bowlers.

Wholly, the national selectors can be content. It had been a big nose dive backwards in a form of cricket which Sri Lanka had taken to new heights four years ago. These bunch of youngsters have underlined that the cradle of the country’s cricket is well structured to meet any exigency.

Of course, the makings cannot be without the guiding light of Australian born Sri Lankan coach, Davnell Whatmore whose use of modern technology in harnessing the team has already shown results.

IAAF finds irregularities in dope test on Susanthika

From Shirajiv Sirimane in Spain
SEVILLA, Sept. 3 — The International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) is to drop dope charges against Sri Lankan athlete Susanthika Jayasinghe as there were serious doubts as to whether the off season urine test had been properly conducted.

This has been intimated to the athlete’s manager, Tony Campbell by the IAAF Secretary.

Speaking to the ‘Sunday Island’ here at Sevilla in Spain, Campbell said that the IAAF Secretary had said that investigations had shown that there were irregularities in how the test was done by the Sri Lankan authorities. As such the world governing body had concluded that no action could be taken against Susanthika.

Campbell, who is managing Susanthika Jayasinghe’s athletic career in America from where she joined the Lankan athletic contingent for the World Games, contended that her urine sample had not been properly sealed. This left doubt as to whether it was duplicated.

Susanthika, who withdrew from the 100 meters event at the eleventh hour on injury grounds, has maintained that she was victimised by the Lankan authorities after she fell out of grace with the country’s Sports Minister.

Jayasinghe tested positive to taking the performance enhancing drug, noandrolone following an off season test, conducted by the Sports Medicine Unit of the Sports Ministry by Dr. Githanjana Mendis in 1998 on an IAAF directive.

This was contested by the athlete and a subsequent finding by the local Amateur Athletic Association (AAA), on a further IAAF directive, cleared her on a 2-1 verdict on circumstantial evidence. But the case was reopened following objections by China, and the second hearing was heard on July 3 this year in Monaco.

Asked as to how she felt to be a free person, Susanthika said that she was never guilty. In the first place, "it was a conspiracy all the way and now I do not want to talk about it all over again."

She also disclosed that she would be getting the American green card end of this year. "But I will continue to represent Sri Lanka and strive yo win a medal for at the Olympics," she said. Asked what she thinks of Sri Lanka’s performance at the World Cup here, she said she does not like to talk about them.

"I have been really hard at training in the States for only three months and I have shown good results. I ran a lifetime best performance of 11.17 in Osaka and set up an Asian 60m recored (7.09)," she said.

"The only change was in my name. They said Susanthika was too long and tagged me Susan.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan World Cup skipper Sriyani Kulawansa said that though some top officials are trying to write her off, she would be running for Sri Lanka even at the 2004 Olympics. "Some want me to give up after Sydney. but I know I have the age, strength and courage to continue" said the 30 year old hurdler."If you take the World Cup 100m hurdles final, almost all the participants were over the age of 33 and there was a medallist at 35. So I have more time before I give up. Please write I told you this," she said. Kulawansa added that she is likely to take part in the long jump event during the SAF Games.

Chinese Taipei beat Japan 12-7

Hafiz Marikar from Bogambara Stadium
A brilliant display of rugby by Chinese Taipei, earned them a well deservedwin over the favourites of the tournament Japan, in the Singer Sri Lanka International Rugby sevens at the Bogambara Stadium. Chinese Taipei who was given a torrid time by the Sri Lankans in the first half, in a earlier game. Their picking up of the passes and running hard at every given time helped the Taipei side to do well. The score of this match was Chinese Taipei 12 Japan 7.

Chinese Taipei also beat Thailand 40 points to 7, Sri Lanka by 28 points to 12 after trailing 00-12 at half time. Taipei fully justified their reputation as one of rugby’s up and coming teams. Sri Lanka led by Nazim Mohamed started the game well against the Chinese Taipei team, with some superb rugby the Sri Lanka side was well set for a win, with 12 points on the board at half-time with Sanjeewa Jayasinghe scoring two superb tries, but after the turn over they did few silly mistakes failed to keep in position of the ball, missed communication, that let them down and they had to give the match to Taipei by 28 points to 12.

In the second game Sri Lanka side, who had mixed fortunes in the first few minutes, made the game in their favour against the much improved Malaysians, and earned a win through 21 points to 7. Sri Lanka’s defence and attack was firm in this game. It capped the great performance from this Sri Lankan side, and marked them down as one of the emerging stars of Asian Seven-A-side rugby. Japan who was stunned by the Taipei side, beat Malaysia, and they have a superb side, their Fijiyan player Ameni did a grand job in the matches he played.

The other upset of the tournament was Singapore beating Hong Kong by 21 points to 9. They marched well in this game with some good intelligent rugby.

In the schools tournament held in the morning, Isipatana MV the local kings of rugby did well to beat Ruhunu Combined team and Kingswood. Then the Royalists beat St. Peters, Antonians beat Wesleyites, the game between Dharmaraja and St. Peters ended in a draw, and the Thomians beat the Sylvestrians.

The day’s rugby presentation was superb, and it was a well organised, a big hand should go to the Chairman of the organising committee Isphan Omar, and the match officials (Referees and the Touch Judges). The Trinity College under 13 ruggerties did a excellent job as ball pickers.

Results of the day

International - Japan beat Malaysia 48-5, Chinese Taipei beat Thailand 40-7, Korea beat India 47-7, Hongkong beat India 47-50, Chinese Taipei beat Sri Lanka 28-12, Korea beat China 40-00, Singapore beat Hongkong 21-19, Chinese Taipei beat Japan 12-7, Sri Lanka beat Malaysia 21-7, Korea beat Hong Kong 38-19, and the match between India and Singapore ended in a 14 all draw.

In the Schools tournament - Isipatna beat Ruhunu Combined side a 38-14, St. Thomas, beat Thurstan 55-12, St. Anthony’s beat Wesley 10-7, Royal beat St. Peter’s 24-7, Kingswood beat Ruhunu Combined side 54-26, Wesley beat Vidyaratha 33-7, Dharmaraja - St. Peter’s 14 all draw, Isipatna beat Kingswood 19-14, St. Thomas’ beat St. Sylvester’s 26-12, St. Anthony’s beat Vidyaratha 26-8, Royal beat Dharmaraja 33-7, Thurstan beat St. Sylvesters 38-0.

Sri Lanka becomes Australia’s nemesis again

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
Already the investment on youth has not only yielded dividends but also put paid to the myth, some were trying very hard to propagate, that Sri Lanka did not have youngsters who were good enough, in the wings.

Sanath Jayasuriya and his enthusiastic band of young ’uns did even better than the occasion in 1996 when Sri Lanka beat Australia by 7 wickets at Lahore to clinch the World Cup. This time round the win was by 8 wickets, and against the newly-crowned world champions who had been, up to the final of the Aiwa Cup, undefeated in 11 successive limited-over Internationals. One more win would have given Australia a new record for the most number of successive victories in one-day limited-over Internationals. Having comfortably beaten both India and Sri Lanka twice in the preliminary round of the Aiwa Cup, the final against the young hosts seemed a mere formality. The record appeared a matter of simply going through the motions. It did not. Thereby hangs a tale. A tale, though a true one, the mere recollection of which must gnaw at the vitals of all Australian cricket fans, and none more than that of their current skipper, Steve Waugh.

400-RUN FIRST INNINGS TOTAL REVERSED!

The time was during the 1989-90 tour of Australia by Sri Lanka. The venue was the Woolloongabba grounds in Brisbane where the first of the two Tests was being staged. A Test record by Australia was on the cards. Having scored over 400 runs in the first innings in ten previous successive Tests, another 400-plus first innings score against the ‘peashooter’ attack — as most Australian mediamen described the bowling attack of the tourists — would give them a new Test record. It was widely anticipated and not without foundation. Border, Boon, Dean Jones, Taylor, Moody and Steve Waugh were the formidable frontline batsmen against a relatively unproven Sri Lankan attack. Eventually, not only did the Sri Lankans deprive them of the record by dismissing the high-riding Australians under 400 runs - they managed a total of 367, thanks mainly to Moody (106), Waugh (60) and Border (56) — but it was the Sri Lankans who topped the 400-mark! Sri Lanka totalled 418 chiefly due to a magnificent 167 by 24-year-old Aravinda de Silva, the first Sri Lankan to register a Test hundred against Australia, and a plucky contribution of 56 by Ravi Ratnayeke.

STEVE WAUGH AGAIN!

So, little Sri Lanka who played their first Test, 105 years after Australia played theirs, not only prevented the more senior nation from establishing a Test record that day in Brisbane but also a new one-day International mark almost a decade later in Colombo. And sadly, on both occasions, the only Australian who was in the side was current skipper, Steve Waugh!

DISCIPLINE SHOULD APPLY CONSISTENTLY

Incidentally, many congratulations to new skipper Sanath Jayasuriya. No, all is not well. But, as I said last week, the prognosis for Sri Lanka cricket now seems brighter. Winning a tournament for the first time of asking would give loads of confidence to the skipper and his well-knit men. This at a time when all that was expected of them was a good all-round performance. After all, now is essentially a time for rebuilding. The win must be regarded as a bonus, but the real reward was that the Sri Lankans played with discipline and dedication, which bodes well for the future. Discipline is the key word. There were, in my view, lapses recently in maintaining acceptable standards. Hopefully, it will not recur and culprits big or small dealt with appropriately.

HITTING LEFT-ARM SPINNERS FOR SIXES!

Incidentally, Sanath clinched the Aiwa finals with a six off Australian left-arm spinner Lehmann. In 1992-93 when Sri Lanka beat England in a one-off Test at the S.S.C. grounds, there was a dark left-hand Sri Lankan batsman who again hit a left-arm spinner, Phil Tufnell, for a six to win the game — and it was the first ball he faced! Why this man who is also a left-arm spinner treats members of his own tribe is something I cannot answer. No prizes are being offered for guessing the name of the aggressive match-winning Sri Lankan batsman.

LET US NOT FORGET WHATMORE, CHAPPELL & SELECTORS

Well played Sri Lanka. Full marks to the band of youngsters, enthusiastically led by Sanath Jayasuriya. Also, credit must be due to Dav Whatmore, the fielding coach Trevor Chappell and not forgetting the selectors who had the gumption to infuse new blood. This policy should be followed in the future. In fact, any player who cannot conform to the high standards set by the current crop of players, with the notable exception of Nuwan Zoysa, should not be considered for selection. It was quite apparent that our own batsmen were taking liberties with Sachin Tendulkar who was temporarily nursing a stiff back. One can then imagine how many liberties international batsmen must have been taking when they find any of our own fielders who are not fleet of foot. Of the new faces, Chamara Silva was most outstanding on the field and is a batsman to watch. So was Russell Arnold in addition to his stout batting. Indika de Saram, given time and encouragement will also prove to be a winner.

JUNIORS PRESSING THE SENIORS

Another spin-off of youngsters being introduced is the competition it provides to the seniors. Now they have to keep looking over their shoulder. A new situation which they have to contend with. Romesh Kaluwitharana’s match-winning innings, for instance, may have been one such example. Having played an irresponsible stroke and sacrificing his wicket in the previous game, Romesh put his head down this time and batted with responsibility and proved to himself and others what he is actually capable of. A current one-day batting average of under-20 for a batsman of his ability is a poor return. Maybe, Romesh now knows, that unless he bats with responsibility there are others who can usurp him. That goes for his work behind the stumps as well, records or no records. Atapattu is making a giant contribution by playing the role of sheet anchor. Yes, sending Sanath a little late, on occasion, is a good ploy.

WERE UMPIRES ADEQUATELY TRAINED?

A word about the umpiring during the Aiwa Cup. There appeared a couple of bloomers. But, please don’t rush in where angels fear to tread. What the public, TV commentators and the Third Umpire sees are the same. One point most forget is that the camera comes from above the umpire’s head, so the height can only be correctly gauged by the umpire standing in the middle. He also has to take into consideration the bounce and the possible deviation of the delivery. These factors can only be accurately gauged ONLY by the man standing there in the white coat. Please remember he has to do his job under extreme pressure, and sad to say, when some of the appeals that are made by players, border on cheating or crass ignorance. So, let others be not too dogmatic in condemning the white-coated gentry. The Third Umpire too came for a bit of hammer. Did the umpires who were assigned the job, trained in this new field? The system is certainly not fool-proof but it certainly helps up to a point, when used by competent personnel. A little bird tells me that those who manned the post were not too adept at using the system.

Finally a word about some of our local TV commentators. Do not give radio commentary on TV. The principle is "if you cannot add to the picture do not speak". They sometimes appear to have verbal diarrhoea.

The gaiety and laughter in cricket

by Mahinda Wijesinghe
Cricket used to be not only a gentlemen’s game but it used to raise more than a few laughs. Cricket jokes are legion. Tell me a tennis or a soccer joke and I will tell you a hundred cricket jokes. The older the joke is, the more embellished it becomes. Whether it was a Test match at Lord’s or an annual fixture between the butchers and the barbers on the village green, the humour in the game is there. It had to be observed, extracted and savoured. And, there was plenty of humour around in those times. Today, sadly, we see a lot of money, poor behaviour, and hardly any humour.

Today, let us enjoy a few of such incidents.

The first involves our neighbours India. They were on their first overseas tour, to England in 1932, when they played their first-ever Test, at Lord’s.

India was captained by the Maharajah of Porbander. Though not particularly noted for his cricketing prowess on the field, the wealthy Maharajah was actually a gifted composer of music and was well known for his generosity. It was said that he lavished presents, especially to umpires BEFORE a match! Diamond encrusted tie-pins used to be the usual form of a gift. Maybe, it was the protocol that existed even during those times, the Maharajah did not dare offer any gifts to the umpires in England, and therefore it was no surprise that he did not play in the Test match.

Nor did he perform well in the side games. He played in only 6 games, batted invariably late in the order, did not bowl and aggregated 6 runs in 6 innings.

No wonder it was said that he owned more Rolls-Royce cars than the runs he scored!

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This one is obviously the result of a fertile mind.

The 80-year old cricket fanatic in the village was watching a needle game seated under his favourite chestnut tree. The village blacksmith, considered the star batsman of the village, was batting in grand style. The smithy rushed to 99, and like most batsmen got the jitters. He just could not get that elusive run. The strain of waiting was too much for the old man, and a fatal heart attack resulted.

The old man had a son. He was a chip of the old block and his interest in the game was no less.

The funeral of the old man began. The body was solemnly borne by some of his former team-mates while the current members of the village team formed an arch holding cricket bats aloft in solemn dignity as the casket was borne from the church to the burial grounds.

After a lengthy graveside sermon from the parson who was his opening partner in their youth when he recounted quite a few of their fruitful partnerships, the casket was gently lowered into the pit. Once the pit was filled with the fresh earth, the dutiful son walked towards the old man’s grave, now looking not unlike a well-laid pitch.

Gently pressing the turf with his fingers he looked up and said to no one in particular: "He will turn by tomorrow evening."

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Ian Chappell, the former Australian captain and now a TV commentator who shoots from the hip, was speaking to one of the greatest’ in Australian cricket, the fast bowling sensation of a few decades ago, Ray Lindwall.

Lindwall was one of those characters whose first name was modesty. He was prepared to talk cricket all day long but hardly spoke about his own exploits on the field.

The garrulous, young Chappell went on nattering to the paceman of whom even Bradman had the greatest regard, and said: "Gee Ray, I would have loved to have faced up to you. It would have been quite a challenge to have tried to hook your bumper. ‘Son’ drawled the man who, in his prime, used to send shivers down the spine of batsmen of the calibre of Hutton and Compton, "I would not have needed bowling a bumper at you."

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Nothing on cricket is complete without an anecdote about Don Bradman, who incidentally passed his 91st birth anniversary Friday before last — on 27th August 1999.

The scene was a pub somewhere in Australia. The year was 1947 when the Indians, under Lala Amarnath, was about to tour Australia. Bradman was to lead Australia. An Indian supporter and an Australian fan were splitting a pint.

"You know Jack," says the Indian "we are having a good fast bowler called Phadkar who can trouble you Mr. Bradman with his pace."

Replies the Aussie after taking a mighty gulp from his tankard: "Oh Yeah? Let me tell you something Gunga Din, and you listen close. When the best of English and Australian bowlers bowl at Bradman he watches the ball so closely, that he can even count the number of stitches on the ball. But, when your Mr. Phadkar bowls at our Don, I’ll bet you he will be able to read the bloody manufacturer’s name as well!"

(For the record, Bradman scored 715 runs in the series notching four centuries — including one double century and twin centuries in the 3rd Test - at an average of 143! — MW)

Dedication — Kandy’s success story

by Hafiz Marikar
Dedication of the players, the discipline they followed and the true backing which came from the senior players and the backing from the President Chandra Wijenayake and Trustee Malik Samarawcikrema was what really made the Kandy Sports Club side led by Hariss Omar to win the triple for the third time. It was under the leadership of Saman Kothalawela, that the Nittawela Club won the triple for the first time and next was under Lasantha Wijesuriya and for the third time this season.

The happiest out of all is non other than their President Chandra Wijenayake, one of the most senior members of the club, who is celebrating his 50th year, this is his third presidency. In 1966 he was the President when Jayatissa Ratwatte led the side, then in 1982 when Sen U Swan led the side, and this year.

Chandra Wijenayake speaking to me said that now Kandy is doing well in both club and school rugby and Kandy should be made the headquarters for this sport. The first ever rugby game in the country too took place in Kandy and the now Kandy is dominating rugby and it is a good idea.

Chandra didn’t wish to single out any particular player but had some encouraging words for the senior players. He thanked all the players who gave off there best and brought the triple to Kandy and also the rugby lovers of the hills.

Chandra Wijenayake has done a lot for the game and the club, together with people like E. W. Balasuriya, late Dr. C. D. L. Fernando, late Dr. K. B. Sangakkara, late Stanley Martin and Dr. S. Nadesen, to name a few.

Khalid starts Fei Quan Do at St. Joseph’s auditorium

Internationally popular Martial Art Expert Grandmaster. M. Hassen Khalid (Founder-chief-Instructor) Fei Quan Do international will be starting Fei Quan Do "Learn to be fighting fit in six months" And also Aerobics classes at the St. Joseph’s college Sports complex and Auditorium in mid September for the benefit of working ladies & gents and school children as well. Every Saturday mornings 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and also at the CIS International Rohini Road, Wellawatte on Thursday evenings 6. p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Grandmaster M. Hassen Khalid with his vast knowledge of every Martial Art will be personally instructing the participants, believes that every man, woman and child should learn self defence and physical fitness to protect their loved ones from the undesirable criminal elements in society and also to lead a healthy lifestyle. To enhance their intelligence and education, which can be achieved when you are physically fit and healthy.

Grandmaster Khalid will be teaching the ancient therapeutic art of QI-Gong along with the "Fighting Fit and Aerobics to cure oneself from within, from Asthma, Diabetes, Blood pressure, Depression, Inferiority Complex and Cholesterol Related Problems etc.

M. Hassen Khalid

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