Jayasuriya bans mobile phones

Sri Lanka’s suspended cricket board chief Thilanga Sumathipala had earlier blamed the extensive use of cellular phones by players as a contributory factor for Sri Lanka’s abysmal World Cup performance.

Sumathipala said players often behaved as if they could not live without cellular phones even during practice. “They are no babies so we can’t be behind them all the time,” he had said at that time.

In his first press conference as skipper, Jayasuriya said he looked forward to support and cooperation from his axed predecessor Arjuna Ranatunga andAravinda de Silva.

Jayasuriya evaded a direct reaction to allegations by former coach Bruce Yardley who said Ranatunga and De Silva treated fellow players like servants.

“I’ve seen in newspapers the interview given by Yardley. But what I want to say is I am looking to the future,” he said.

Sri Lanka today removed former captain and team manager Duleep Mendis, completing the radical changes which began with the dismissal of Ranagunta last week.

Jayasuriya said he would continue to open the batting and will maintain his explosive approach.

The Sri Lankan skipper said he has had a long talk with Ranatunga who had promised him cooperation. Experienced players were needed in the team to face formidable challenges against India and World Cup champions Australia at next month’s tri-series.

On the return of former Australian batsman Dave Whatmore as coach, Jayasuriya said Whatmore knew the individual needs and capabilities of players and would be best suited to take care of the national squad and he waslooking forward to training with him.

Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to unexpected victory in the 1996 World Cup and also played a part in launching Jayasuriya as a successful pinch-hitting opener, quit his job reportedly following serious differences with senior players, Ranatunga in particular.

Whatmore, who quit as coach of English county Lancashire, is expected to take over by this month end and has been given full powers to handle the side.

Jayasuriya said Sri Lanka’s batting failed miserably during the World Cup and that he himself was unable to perform well.