Thuppahi's Blog

Anurabha Sengupta: “Ashes 1936-37 – Don Bradman and the best innings of the century“ …. February 2, 2015  … an Item sent to TPS by  Eardley Lieversz of Royal College and Sydney

January 5, 1937. Don Bradman was under enormous pressure after losing his first two Tests as captain. He was plagued by a rare loss of form, discontent among players, press and public and a devastating personal tragedy. Yet, at Melbourne, he turned the series around with a blemish-less innings of 270.

Arunabha Sengupta recalls the innings that had been ranked by Wisden as the best of all time.

Michael Roberts

There are a few surprising names in this list in my view, but let me encourage readers and aficianado to ‘slash and burn’ the presence of some names and/or comment  on ABSENCES!

Hasaranga… Pathirana …. Theekshana…Nissanka … Shanaka .… Kusal Mendis …. Kusal Perera …. Asalanka …. Vijayasanth …. Wellallage …. Traveen Mathew …. Binura Fernando

I have  coloured the names that surprise me in orange and green. Viyaskanth Vijayakanth’s  entry is both surprising and welcome. He is one of the few Tamils to enter the pool of Sri Lankan cricketers in recent years.  

I have no knowledge of Traveen Mathew’s ethnic roots, but know that he is a product of  St Anthony’s College Kandy; and am pleased to see the stocks of Sri Lankan cricket receiving inputs from upcountry areas amidst the streams flowing from the Southern  Province, Moratuwa and  Colombo.

Michael  Roberts …..“Exotic” in My EYES that is ….

Rohan Kunnumal from India  ………….  Daniel Lategan from UK …………….Roshan  Wagshan from India …………. Jikku Bright from India ………… Sandeep Warrier from India ………….  Prince Balwant  Raj from India

Daniel Lategan, a promising young cricketer from the UK, has made a significant impact in Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s professional cricket. Born on May 25, 2006, in Cape Town, Lategan has been a standout performer in the Worcestershire Second XI, showcasing his talent and potential. He joined the Worcestershire County Cricket Club academy at the under-15 level and has since signed a three-year professional contract with the club. Lategan’s debut for Worcestershire in the One  Day  Cup against Derbyshire on August 15, 2025, was a notable achievement, as he scored an unbeaten 42 off 39 balls. His performance in the One Day  Cup against Surrey on August 26, 2025, saw him score his maiden half-century, contributing to Worcestershire’s semi-final appearance. Lategan’s top-score in the One-Day Cup semifinal    against Somerset on August 31, 2025, was 78 runs, further solidifying his place in the club’s future. Lategan’s signing by Worcestershire County Cricket Club is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent and his potential to succeed in the professional game. 

Also Note this item https://thuppahi.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/where-music-transcends-ethnic-divisions-sinhala-nona/#more-24614

Michael Roberts

The IPL Auction details display fascinating fare for cricket lovers. But they also reveal some fascinating NAMES ….. unknown players with  rather  unique parental and/or country origins. Take  this example: “Eden Apple Tom” from Kerala !@#!!!

Pursuing my fascination I discovered this information in digital sources.. that  is the Hindustani Times …https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/who-is-eden-apple-tom-the-bowler-who-dismissed-ruturaj-gaikwad-debuted-in-ranji-trophy-at-16-story-behind-his-name-101760684958585.html

Eden Apple Tom — Professional cricketer…………Eden Apple Tom is a promising young cricketer from Kerala, known for his unique name and impressive bowling skills. At just 20 years old, he has already made a name for himself in the Indian domestic cricket scene. Tom’s career began with a debut in the 2022 Ranji Trophy, where he took four wickets in his first innings. Despite facing a back injury that sidelined him for two seasons, he returned to the cricketing world and played a crucial role in Kerala’s Ranji Trophy final victory. His performance in the final against Vidarbha showcased his ability to deliver line and length, making him a player to watch in the future of Indian cricket.

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Michael Roberts

There were several ‘Moments’ of outstanding cricket taking place around the world this week. Aficianados will find it difficult to assign an order of ONE -TWO- THREE to the events I mark below ….in arbitrary order A, B, ….. C ……….

A: In their  Test Match  at Christchurch in NZ which began on the  2nd December, the Windies began the 4th innings 530 runs in deficit …530 man !@#!! …. and were six down for 222 when Justin Greaves and  Kemar Roach combined in a stand of 180 runs to salvage a remarkable draw. See … https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-in-new-zealand-2025-26-1491681/new-zealand-vs-west-indies-1st-test-1491732/match-report …

B: Australia made the running during much of the pink-ball Test Match at Brisbane between Australia and England. However their victory in 3/4 days was assisted by some truly remarkable catching: B1: with  Alex Carey moving up to the stumps to the Aussie pacemen and not only restraining forward movement by the batsmen but also snaffling a snick to dismiss the English captian Stokes.** … and …B2: Steve Smith snaffling two diving catches of a different sort  –one to his lef t at wide lone slip; and the other running back from slip position fora skier to non-existent fine-leg ….. and ….and … diving full length to  snatch  the ball inches from the ground. ( there is soemthing asperges in Smith’s mannerisms .. … and this dimension could ‘explain’ his extraorinary skills and mannerisms.

** 71.5 that’s the breakthrough! Neser hammers his length again, Stokes can’t mitigate the movement, just a fraction more nip and away movement, it’s a slender nick into Carey’s safe-as-houses gloves, right up to the stumps. He turns on his heel and marches away, with England’s Ashes hopes trailing behind him! 227/8

A Circular Notice From the DBU, 7  December 2025

Dear Members,

In light of the severe flooding that has affected many areas of Sri Lanka and impacted on numerous lives, we have taken time to reflect on whether our planned Christmas Celebration on Sunday, 21st December should proceed as scheduled. We are deeply conscious of the suffering experienced across our nation.

However, after careful consideration, the General Committee has unanimously agreed not to cancel, but rather to convert the evening into a flood relief fundraiser, held in support of the national fundraising effort to aid those affected. Proceeds will be donated to an organization carrying out such relief work.

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ONE: A NOTE FROM Upali Obeyesekera Abroad

This is amazing!

More will likely be flowing in during the month from the Sri Lankan expatriate community. It is noteworthy to express my personal views that the catalyst for this inflow of funds is due to the utmost confidence people have in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya. Fiscal accountability means governments (or organisations) must openly report how they raise and spend public money, allowing citizens and legislators to track performance against plans, ensuring responsible use of funds, and holding officials answerable for financial outcomes through clear, timely, and consistent financial statements and budgets. It involves transparency in publishing financial documents, adherence to accounting standards (like PSAS), and systems for legislative review to ensure public funds deliver promised services.

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Item sent by  Finch

WATCH … https://youtu.be/5qeNJxxktyw?si=uZXUrGnh6jy2lqZ2  …..German author Patrick Baab talks here about media propaganda and sheds light on this much neglected and misunderstood subject. The media never tell us about it because they are running it.

 The only antidote to propaganda is to stop reading newspapers and watching television and to search for alternative sources of news, and to always verify what you read and observe.

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Hiran Hewavisenti as LankanLion in Facebook

England don’t often taste Ashes glory on Australian soil, which is exactly why their triumph at Brisbane’s old Exhibition Ground in the opening Test of the 1928–29 series stands out so vividly. On this day, nearly a century ago, Australia began the final morning at 17 for 1, staring at an impossible target of 742. What followed was a total collapse of resolve. They mustered only 66 runs, offering little resistance as England wrapped up a commanding victory.

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Michael Roberts

 Moving from west to east across the Indian Ocean, the cyclone Ditwah has wrought unprecedented damage in Sri Lanka and many other countries. The damage has been via sweeping floods as well as landslides. Thus far, 374 deaths and 330 missing are said to be one set of consequences from this dramatic EVENT (see Note  A below).

The mental anguish and media imperatives have been promoting what I deem to be a BLAME GAME. The fingers have been pointed at previous administrations and the main planning authorities. Particular emphasis is being attached to the building programmes — houses and urban premises—in the lowland areas of the North-Western, Western and Southern Provinces which have seen the reduction of the wetlands in these regions. The ASSERTION is that these natural features would have absorbed the wrecking force of cyclone Ditwah.

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