Sri Lanka Cricket released a 16-member squad for the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan which is scheduled to begin this Friday.
As the Cricket World Cup Qualifiers are looming close, Sri Lanka is set to face the Afghans who are touring for the second time in the last 12 months.
The 3-match ODI series will be the final bilateral series before the Lions take flight to Zimbabwe with their pride on the line. Having dominated whiteball cricket for decades starting from 1996 World Cup Triumph.
‘What happened to Sri Lanka Cricket?’ is the question that no one has been able to answer for the last five-six years. However, the explanation is pretty much in front of us. As a country, we have failed to stick to “one policy” for a certain amount of time for it to prosper and produce results. It is no different when it comes to sports as well.
Since Pramodya Wickramasinghe took over the National Selection Committee, Sri Lanka Cricket inherited the so called “Youth Policy”. But once again, with just months away from the CWC Qualifiers, the Selectors have decided to scrap their own plans and opt for experience.
Normally, it would be a change of personnel that follows up with a change of policy. But in this instance, it’s the same personnel but a u-turn in policy. What’s worse?
Recalling Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews could work in favor of the team. Their capabilities are not in question here. There is no doubt both of them can provide the experience, stability and performance to uplift the teams performance.
But, why take them out in the first place? What if they weren’t suddenly taken off and have the youngsters play around them? What if the transition was done in a smoother way? These questions haunt any and every ardent fan of cricket in the island.
KJP sidelined again
Kusal Janith Perera made a decent enough comeback against the Kiwis last month scoring a half century and couple of 30’s. Sri Lanka is in desperate need of someone who can clear any boundary at the top order. The role of a “power hitter” was filled by Bhanuka Rajapaksha, but his lack of runs has forced the selectors to look elsewhere. The addition of KJP would have covered that part but he will be missed for this tour.
It paves way for an opportunity for Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made his mark in the test during the Ireland series. Although he doesn’t have the same power hitting game compared to KJP, Samarawickrama can keep the rate up during the first power play at the top.
Chameera and Pathirana in lead the pace attack
Dushmantha Chameera has recovered fully and makes a return to spearhead the seam attack after a lengthy break. It’s a perfect opportunity for him to ease into international cricket before traveling to Zimbabwe. The selectors have also added in form Matheesha Pathirana into the squad. Skipper Shanaka will have to be mindful of how to use him.
Wanindu Hasaranaga’s involvement in the series is still in doubt. Which means, uncapped Dushan Hemantha might get a chance to showcase his talents at the National Level.
Skipper Shanaka in the spotlight
Sri Lanka is on the verge of facing their biggest challenge yet in white-ball cricket. It used to be a time when Sri Lanka thrashed associate member teams with such ease. Times have changed, and the associate teams have developed in such a way that Sri Lanka cannot take them for granted.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka has had his moments as the leader of the pack. His best being the Asia Cup Triumph. But the pressure is on his shoulders. He needs to lead this team through the qualifiers to the World Cup. Sri Lanka is yet miss out on a 50-over World Cup and that is something Shanaka wouldn’t want to change.
Sri Lanka Squad: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Vice-Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha