Sri Lankan brand of cricket is back

Rex Clementine in Dambulla

Following the World Cup flop, there were concerns in which direction Sri Lankan cricket would go, but four series wins inside two months have calmed those fears. More importantly the fans are back at the grounds. There was a gradual increase during the ODIs at Pallekele culminating with over 14,000 fans turning up for the final ODI. Then for the first T-20 at Dambulla, tickets were sold out more than 48 hours before the game. These are very good signs indeed.

Some can argue that this is only Afghanistan and Zimbabwe and bigger challenges will come when Sri Lanka play India later this year or travel to England in August. That may be true, but the Afghan side has made huge strides in recent years. They made three former World Champions eat humble pie during the recent World Cup beating Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. If not for that Glenn Maxwell drop catch in  Bombay, it would have been match over for Australia.

The key for Sri Lanka’s success has been that they have got their combination right – six  batters, one all-rounder and four genuine bowlers.

Time was when they played three all-rounders and at times even four all-rounders in their ODI setup. There were games when Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne and Dunith Wellalage were all featured in the same team.

However much the issue was highlighted, the selectors and all-powerful Consultant Coach turned a blind eye and did not abandon the idea despite horrendous results. Thankfully, the new selectors have reverted back to a more balanced combination.

The other key aspect has been playing games on good surfaces. The former selectors made a hue and cry when Sri Lanka won an ODI series against Australia on doctored pitches at home. But when it came to the World Cup, Australia went on to win the championship and Sri Lanka finished a disappointing ninth. As a result, the team was knocked out of the Champions Trophy. None were held accountable.

Playing on good surfaces gives batters confidence and more importantly, gives bowlers an idea of what needs to be done to control the run flow. They have got to earn their wickets playing on flat wickets. Wellalage for example was unplayable in some of those home series prior to the World Cup but his limitations were exposed during the World Cup. All ICC events are played on good wickets and unless we replicate those conditions in home games, the team is like a sitting duck while playing in those tournaments

Fans certainly enjoyed the direct hit in the third ODI that helped Sri Lanka to dismiss the dangerous Ibrahim Zadran. It’s been a while since Sri Lanka effected a run out with a direct hit and of all people, it was Avishka Fernando, one of the slow fielders in the side.

Sri Lanka looked sharp on the field whereas they were sloppy during the World Cup as showcased by the 16 dropped catches during the event. A lot of credit should go to former Test cricketer Upul Chandana and he should be drafted in as Fielding Coach on a long-term basis.

The team’s approach has changed too adopting the tried and tested attacking form of cricket. The batters have gone about their business with a positive mindset putting the pressure back on the bowlers. The bowlers have looked to take wickets rather than containing teams.All three encounters were won by Sri Lanka by big margins and moving forward it augurs well for the game.