Duleep Mendis opposed to artificial pitches

NEW DELHI, July 26: Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and World Cup winning team manager Duleep Mendis is opposed to any move to introduc...

NEW DELHI, July 26: Former Sri Lankan cricket captain and World Cup winning team manager Duleep Mendis is opposed to any move to introduce artificial wickets. “It will rob the game of its natural charm,” the chairman of the Sri Lankan selection committee said here.

Mendis, who was in the Capital in connection with the launching of a cricket academy, said, “I strongly feel that cricket is natural only in the present form. I will always prefer old and natural turf. Cricket should not be made artificial.”

Asked whether it was a move to push back the cricketing nations of the sub-continent, he said, “I am unaware of the idea and motive behind any such move, but I would certainly not subscribe to it.” About the prospects of the Sri Lankans to retain their status in the World Cup to be held in England next year, he replied, “There could be some hiccups to start with, but I am confident that the Sri Lankans would make it. They have all batting, bowling and fielding armourry in them which placed them ahead of others,” Mendis said.

Supporting the move of Sri Lanka and India to appoint foreign coaches, Mendis said, “It was a correct move as it gives us an opportunity to develop the game more scientifically.”

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