Surfeit of jokers keeps Sri Lanka laughing

They may not have the stars that India do but Sri Lanka have a definite edge in one category: the bits-and-pieces all-rounders, the true her...

They may not have the stars that India do but Sri Lanka have a definite edge in one category: the bits-and-pieces all-rounders, the true heroes of one-day cricket. Right from the days of Arjuna Ranatunga’s shrewd leadership, a very significant reason behind Sri Lanka’s success in the one-day game has been these utility players who, like jokers, fit into any role required.

Whenever the team requires a solid seven or eight over spell, an inspirational run-out or a quick 30, they have always had candidates to call on. In the past five years Kumara Dharmasena, Upul Chandana, Russel Arnold, Tillakaratne Dilshan, and lately Dilhara Lokuhettige and Farveez Maharoof have shown they are the pegs that can mould themselves into whatever shape the hole is.

Sanath Jayasuriya can very rightly take offense at being included in the category but he, too, has progressed from the same class. With Romesh kaluwitharana and Kumar Sangakkara being wicket-keeping all-rounders, Lanka, for the better part of a decade, have had at least three to four batsmen who could play the role of the fifth bowler. And Aravinda Desilva’s bowling was a key part of their World Cup win in 1996.

Story continues below this ad

All these bowlers are of the slower variety and thrive on containing the batsmen, prodding them into frustration. It’s a double-edged sword because it also explains the lack of success in matches overseas, and also in Tests.

Maharoof and Lokuhettige, though, are a different breed and give added balance to the Sri Lanka side that is aiming to regain a place in the top three rankings at Test and limited-overs levels. They are fast, they are young and they derive inspiration from their own ability.

As the new coach, Tom Moody, says, they are part of the long-term plan for the team to maintain their success at home, and also to develop their ability to win more abroad.

“A lot of this has to do with self belief and the players we now have are showing this,” he says. “It is something that I have noticed with the younger players. They are bringing a new dimension to the game. That is important.”

THE FOUR ACES

Faveez Maharoof: Lanky fast bowler who bats far too low in the order for his ability. Has shown he’s prepared to take up the challenge of opening the bowling and filling in for Chaminda Vaas. Given the opportunity, has the skills to bat in the middle or even top order. Technique is solid and can put a classy innings together.
Batting Average 20.66
Batting Strike: 93.23
Bowling Average: 25.54
Economy Rate: 4.15

Dilhara Lokuhettige: Doesn’t differ much in profile. Has already shown his utility with the bat in his 20-ball 21 that won them the match against India
Batting Average 10.00
Batting Strike Rate: 78.94
Bowling Average: 23.25
Economy Rate: 3.87

Upul Chandana: His tidy and penetrative leg-spin and determination (often fierce) with bat has not been overstated.
Batting Average: 17.57
Batting Strike Rate: 73.66
Bowling Average: 31.33
Economy Rate: 4.68

Tillakeratne
Dilshan: Off-spinning skills tried only when Murali is rested or fails. His 4-29 against India, with genuine off-spin bowling, has shown he can surely be counted as the member of Sri Lankan all-rounder brigade
Batting Average: 27.03
Strike Rate: 69.96
Bowling Average: 36.06
Economy Rate: 4.65

Tejashwi’s Bihar election promise — ‘Will bin Waqf law if INDIA bloc comes to power’

Cities2 hr ago

Tejashwi Yadav, leader of RJD, vows to revoke Waqf Act in Bihar if elected, citing it as a threat to Constitutional equality. He criticizes CM Nitish Kumar for aligning with BJP and RSS and emphasizes the need for development in Seemanchal region. Yadav accuses BJP of using agencies to intimidate him and promises job creation for all households in Bihar.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS