I was in the island of Mannar during the final of the Emirates Triangular Tournament. You should have experienced the excitement of the Mannarites over the final. All of a sudden, in the morning, the lights went off dampening the spirit of the enthusiastic cricket fans. Fortunately, thanks to the magnanimity of the officials at the Mannar - Electricity Board, the lights were switched on sharp at 3.30 p.m. enabling the T.V. viewers to enjoy a fine game of cricket on Ruapvahini. Although it was a ding - dong battle all along, the match was certainly entertaining and we fully deserved to win.
Hearty Congratulations
Arjuna Ranatunga, our Captain cool and his chivalrous comrades ought to be congratulated heartily over this formidable victory. There is no gainsaying, we beat the Englishmen fairly and squarely at their own game in their own backyard. As Arjuna mentioned later, it was the team - effort that carried us to the pinnacle of triumph. Well done boys!
Marvan strikes gold
Kudos and laurels were lavishly showered by the English Press on Marvan's magnificent innings of 132 n.o. He held the batting together when others seemed to falter unnecessarily. Serene, sedate and stylish, Marvan tore the bowling apart and with the correct temperament of a gentleman cricket, etched a name for himself in the annals of Sri Lankan cricket, with a jewel of an innings that won the prestigious Emirates Trophy for us. Marvan was rightly conferred the title. ``Man-of-the-Series''!
Man of the Match
Turning out as the best bowler in One Day Internationals at Lord's taking 5 for 34 and breaking Joel Garner's record of 5 for 38 in the same ground during the World Cup in 1979, Murali's bowling was superb and spell-binding. It was the second time he had taken five wickets in a One Day International. Another feather in his cricketing cap. No wonder he was declared ``Man-of-the-Match''. Enthralling the spectators and mesmerizing the English batsmen. Murali gave a praise-worthy account of himself. He was persistent, innovative and inspiring. He had a spell of only six overs and he was able to achieve the impossible. Murali is a match-winner and an exceptional off-spinner.
Kalu's impatience
Romesh Kaluwitharana is a brilliant cricketer. A talented and spirited wicket-keeper, he has the potential to score many runs in an innings. Unfortunately he under-estimates his own abilities. At the final the other day, he could have easily smashed a century. But he was over - anxious to get out as soon as he raced to his fifty. He was restless, aggressive and fidgety. Ultimately he got what he had wanted with an atrocious shot, throwing away a golden chance of scoring a century. Patience and prudence would make him an indispensable player for Sri Lanka.
Jayasuriya in the doldrums
There is no about it. The ace all-rounder, the dashing Sanath Jayasuriya has firmly put Sri Lanka in the cricket map. But should he always open? That was the million - dollar question my friends were asking. The moment he gets out, the shine goes out of the game. Thousands throng to see him bat and they are awfully disappointed when he gets out cheaply and sometimes for a duck! Occasionally an experiment could be made in sending him one down or two down. Considering the staggering batting line-up we have, nothing like taking a risk!