Sri Lanka A need to bounce back
Sa'adi Thawfeeq
June 28, 2005
Sri Lanka A's cricketers will have to show more commitment and application if they are to make any impression in the on-going unofficial three-Test series against West Indies A, after squandering a winning position in the first match at Dambulla.
The manner in which they lost that match showed a lack of purpose and direction, with the captain, Russel Arnold, particularly culpable. He lacked imagination and a sense of urgency, in stark contrast to inventiveness and energy of his opposite number, Daren Ganga.
As a result West Indies were able to turn the tables in a match which they had only a slim chance of winning. At one stage Sri Lanka A had been strongly placed on 161 for 2 chasing 316 for victory.
For Wednesday's second match, which starts at the Colts ground, Sri Lanka have been strengthened by the inclusion of the batsman, Shantha Kalavitigoda, and the experienced left-arm fast bowler, Nuwan Zoysa. They replace the out of form Jehan Mubarak and Priyankara Silva in the eleven that played at Dambulla.
Sri Lanka A trail 0-1 in the three-match series and another wretched performance would only force the selectors' hands to make wholesale changes to the squad and bring in players who are dedicated to the task of playing to win and not merely eyeing for places in the national team.
The match officials are Tyronne Wijewardene and Ranmore Martinesz as umpires and Chandika Hathurusingha as match referee.
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