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Jayasuriya told: "Stay on"

Monday, March 24 2003

Sri Lankan cricket, fresh from their World Cup Semi-Final defeat at the hands of champions-elect Australia, faces a fresh crisis after discord erupted between captain Sanath Jayasuriya and sports minister Johnston Fernando.

Jayasuriya, who is Sri Lanka's most successful captain after a 10-Test winning run, took over after the failure to reach the Super Six at the 1999 World Cup.

"I appreciate Sanath's freedom to send in his resignation," Fernando said. "The authorities also have the freedom to reject or accept it. Captains are picked by the selectors based on seniority, experience and capability. I have therefore refused to accept Sanath's resignation."

Marvan Atapattu was expected to take over, but this throws the whole team into disarray. Mahela Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan had all been linked with the job.

Jayasuriya later agreed to stay on and lead the team for the Sharjah Cup against South Africa and Pakistan, but is this the best option for either him or his country?

Comment
The Sri Lankan board need to realise that an unhappy captain will lead to an unhappy side. There's no good in having the eleven best players without a team unit. Jayasuriya won't be here in 2007, so following Jayasuriya's appointment in 1999 building for 2003, maybe it's time for a new man for 2007. Let Jayasuriya concentrate on his natural game and show us some wonderful centuries, and how about Thilan Samaraweera for the captaincy?

Posted by Neil