With just a 'two-Test match' experience, it does seem premature to forecast clearly, that in Niroshan lies the answer to a genuine left arm spinner, since the going away of Ajit Silva and D. S. de Silva from our cricket scene. This does not in anyway, detract from the fact, that he is a fine bowler of outstanding class and ability.
On that unfriendly Premadasa Stadium wicket, particularly to his type of bowling, he lacked the support of nippy, alert close-in-fielders, who being new to this class of cricket, were more keen on taking evasive action, than grabbing the half chances that came their way, which in a sense added to the confidence of the batsmen. Though he just took a single wicket, he made a tremendous impression for a debutant to warrant selection for the second Test. It takes an exceptionally talented, skilled bowler, an exponent of his craft, to exploit a conducive wicket to his advantage. This is precisely what he did, with brilliant backing coming from specialst close-in-fielder Hashan Tillakaratne, who reminded us of India's Eknath Solkar. There is no doubting this, that Niroshan with a test match haul of nine wickets turned up trumps and what happened thereafter, has now passed on to history. Both Murali and Niroshan combined effectively to be the perfect foil, continuing as it were from where they left, in the club to which they stand committed and play together. There was understanding of sorts between the two. For when Murali was exertiing pressure and tying the batsmen down on one end, Niroshan ended up taking wickets on the other. The converse was equally true, when Niroshan was admirably pegging, Murali was taking the wickets. They were complementary to each other, which is how it should be, as was seen in Ramadhin and Valentine of the West Indies and Laker and Lock of England. Hitherto, Murali has been shouldering the brunt of spin bowling and do wish, that this combination will enjoy a measure of continuity. How they will fare against seasoned batsmen in the Australian and South Africans ranks is another proposition.
The question that comes to mind is, where was Niroshan since leaving school and now becoming 23 years of age. This does seem to be a reflection, on our not being able to recognise and spot potential talent early. Or is it, that our selectors like bridled horses, are focussing attention only in a particular direction. If so, then it's a pity and much is lost.
Be that as it may, our dismal showing in South Africa, followed by our first Test defeat at the hands of the Kiwis - must surely have given way to suppressed feelings of dejection and gloom. And no sooner, when victory was achieved in this second Test, pent up feelings of frustration, found release in the form of jubilant euphoria. Players in ecstatic joy, ran hither and thither, striving to obtain souvenirs in the form of stumps and bails. Niroshan who contributed much towards his side's victory, ran in the direction of one end but the stumps and bails had all gone, he ran to the other end and the story was the same. He had the look of forlorn hopelessness, for victory and his contribution did not appear to register in his mind. He was like ``little Bo-peeps, who had lost his sheep''. Perhaps, he was hoping to take something tangible home to his people and, probably engrave on it his heroic feat, performed on the historic Galle international cricket Test venue. All was not however lost, for in that frenzied melee, Murali his senior partner sensing it all, with a wicket in his hand thrust it towards Niroshan, virtually saying it's alright chum, I have quite a few souvenirs in my cupboard, you can take this and start your collection'. Truly, a fine gesture of Murali's. It is niceties like this that adds spice and essence to the game. For like salt, it gives savour to the game and without it the game lies incomplete. Tony Greig, has made his very welcome presence, bringing with him a breath of fresh air as TV commentator and the masterly handling of the awards ceremony.
A man, who is not at a loss for words, with vibrant diction and fluency of language, eloquently touched on Murali's fine deed.