But on hearing over the radio that the Zims had done well to get up to 244 and that in reply the Board XI was 20 for no loss with openers Naweed Nawaz and Sanath Jayasuriya at the wickets, interest stirred within us with the hope that Sanath will put behind his lean spell and play in his characteristic delightful way to be the force that he has always been way to be reckoned with for today's big game at the SSC grounds.
Even as we were thinking on these lines, there came the jubilant voice of the commentator over the radio saying that Sanath had just banged a towering six, which found us motoring down to Moratuwa.
As we kept driving along needless to say on everyone's lips were the words Jayasuriya is batting. Groups had gathered here and there listening to the progress Jayasuriya was making, which was a fair indication to us in the car that Sanath was on the ball.
On nearing the stadium one found unexpected crowds those who originally did not intend on witnessing the match were now rushing towards to gain entry.
Likewise passenger buses too were made to stop and people streamed out to catch the action while lorries transporting goods halted for those who wished to climb and watch. There was a spate of cars and trishaws parked causing traffic congestion while vendors of all sorts cashing in along with many were converging on the gate to enter the stadium which was already chock-a-block.
All this excitement and delightful confusion was brought about by none other than the black superman' Sanath Jayasuriya. From the wicket to wicket view at the press box, the dry hard De Soysa Stadium resembled a billiard table and was good for many runs.
With the yelling of the thronging crowd, the atmosphere was awe inspiring for the fielders as well as the batsmen. And what was significant was that none of them was obliged commercially to have advertising stickers on their attire, which made them meticulously elegant in their whites.
The conditions were ideal for Sanath, he was not unduly overawed by being skipper and opener. For he was back playing in his normal accustomed manner, tearing the bowling apart with utter disdain and contempt be it the pace of Henry Olonga, Rennie and Everton Matambanasze or the spin of Whittal and Strang.
The ball did seem to come on to him at just the right height and in a flash he was on to it, either pulling, hooking or square cutting, hitting the pickets, with telling effect which had the crowds delirious.
He did not hit much into the air, but when he did it just went parallel to the ground and skimmed over the ropes. In one Everton over Sanath had the crowd on their feet shrieking, when he blasted him for 2, 6,4,6,4 and was out to a superb catch in the last ball by John Rennie with his score at 56.
The Zims have not seen Jayasuriya in this devastating mood recently and will be up against him today. Young Mahela Jayawardene in his mature unbeaten 87 with seven hits to the ropes and two over it and the very accomplished way in which he batted we feel, has earned his place in the side.