Michael Roberts
Hiran Hewavisenti’s reading of the short-form cricket squads chosen for the impending September tour of England provides the context for my reflections on the performances of Sri Lankan players during the recent two Test series vs a powerful Indian side at home in Lanka last month. I do not have Hiran’s intimate local knowledge and my thoughts, therefore, must be assessed with a measure of scepticism.
While India were meeting Sri Lanka, several SL cricketers were playing short/form matches in the Caribbean, presumably with the consent of the SLC Board.: Theekshana, Shanaka, Hasaranga for instance. All three are now part of the touring squad for the UK.
Kusal Mendis was a notable absence in the Test matches vs India and the keeper was Dickwella – presumably because Mendis was incapacitated. He now returns to the side for the UK matches. As skipper, yes …. as captain; while Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva drops out altogether. **
The most outstanding omission, of course is that of Sonal Dinusha – who scored four centuries in 4 innings vs the Indians ……batting in the middle order. This decision, surely, is a controversial course. Perhaps the Selectors dd not wish to undermine his solid technique in local conditions to the vicissitudes of shortform cricket in a temperate climate?
Hiran has also suggested that the following were possible choices but not chosen; “Avishka Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe (T20s) may count themselves unlucky not to make it.” …. And even added Angelo Matthews (with a Q-mark) to this listing. I do not have the background to comment on this note.
I note that Dunith Wellalage is in the squad. This pleases me –the little Josephina is a battler and provides batting grit down the order as well as allround capacities as a fielder and spinner.
