SRI LANKA CRICKET NEWS
(OCTOBER 2024)
Compiled by Victor Melder
World Cup-winning Coach Dav Whatmore voiced concerns about the sustainability of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) multi-million dollar initiative to support Test cricket, suggesting that several countries, especially associate nations, may abandon the ‘costly’ red-ball format entirely. “Saving Test cricket is one of the challenges. The ICC is very keen to maintain some sort of status in Test match cricket. They have created a pool of money to assist countries that are struggling. A step in the right direction, but I’m not sure how sustainable that is,” Whatmore told PTI. The dedicated fund would support national boards that struggle to compete with the wages offered in global T20 competitions. The 70-year-old, who coached Sri Lanka to the World Cup in 1996, lauded India for its robust domestic calendar while adding that the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Under-19 programme contribute significantly to accelerating player development. While Bangladesh registered a historic Test series victory against Pakistan and host Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand, the two struggled against India and England, respectively. Whatmore, who has coached both the teams in the past, feels they need to be more consistent. “Sri Lanka were reasonably competitive in England and they come back to their own conditions, which they are very familiar with and having won some very important tosses in Galle, makes it very difficult for touring teams, particularly the Western countries.” “So, overall, they are very encouraging performances but you’ve got to have consistency, and that’s what will separate the teams,” he added. (Agencies) (Daily Mirror, 2.10.2024)
Sri Lanka’s left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama has been banned from all cricket for a year, of which six months will be suspended. The ban was imposed on Jayawickrama after he admitted breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The player admitted to being in breach of Article 2.4.7 of the Code, which deals with: “Obstructing or delaying any investigation that may be carried out by the ACU, including concealing, tampering with, or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and/or that may be evidence or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the Anti-Corruption Code.” Jayawickrama last represented Sri Lanka in 2022. He has featured for the Island nation in five Tests, ODIs and T20Is each with a total of 32 international wickets to his name across those 15 matches. The charges relate to international cricket and the Lanka Premier League. The ICC, in agreement with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), acted in accordance with Articles 1.7.4.1 and 1.8.1 of the Code. The ICC Anti-Corruption Code and the complete decision. (ICC) (Daily News, 3.10.2024)
Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squads selected for the eagerly anticipated West Indies Senior Men’s T20 International (T20I) and One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka. The teams are set to compete in three (3) T20Is and three (3) ODIs from 10 to 27 October 2024. T20I Squad: The T20I squad will take on Sri Lanka from 10 to 17 October 2024. After a resounding 3-0 series sweep against South Africa earlier this year, the West Indies have climbed the rankings, moving to fourth place, and established themselves as serious contenders on the world stage. Several senior players, including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, Akeal Hosein and Shimron Hetmyer have opted out of the tour for personal reasons, opening the door for newer faces and returning players. Captain Rovman Powell will lead the side, with Roston Chase continuing in his role as Vice-Captain. Head Coach Daren Sammy, who now leads on selection under the revamped selection system, noted the importance of this series in evaluating players for key roles and understanding the conditions ahead of future ICC Tournaments. West Indies T20I Squad: Rovman Powell (Captain), Roston Chase (Vice Captain), Fabian Allen, Alick Athanaze, Andre Fletcher, Terrance Hinds, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Shamar Springe. ODI Squad: The ODI squad is set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match series from 20 to 27 October 2024. Shai Hope will continue as Captain, with Vice-Captain support from Alzarri Joseph. This series provides an opportunity for CWI to focus on building its ODI team ahead of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027. A notable inclusion is Jewel Andrew, the young Antiguan wicketkeeper-batsman who has impressed and earned his place in the squad. The squad also sees the return of several key players, including Brandon King and Sherfane Rutherford. West Indies ODI Squad: Shai Hope (Captain),, Alzarri Joseph (Vice-Captain), Jewel Andrew, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Cart, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Gudakesh Motie, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh Jr. Team Management: Head Coach: Daren Sammy, Team Manager: Rawl Lewis, Assistant Coach (Fielding): Rayon Griffith, Assistant Coach (Batting): Floyd Reifer, Assistant Coach (Bowling): James Franklin, Physiotherapist: Neil Barry, Strength & Conditioning Coach: Ronald Rogers, Masseuse: Fitz Alleyne, Team Analyst: Avenesh Seetaram, Media & Content Officer: Jerome Foster (Ceylon Today, 6.10.2024)
Former Sri Lanka skipper Sanath Jayasuriya has been officially appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka Men’s team, Sri Lanka Cricket announced. “The Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket made this decision taking into consideration the team’s good performances in the recent tours against India, England, and New Zealand, where Jayasuriya was in charge as the interim head coach,” said SLC. The appointment will be for 18 months. It came into effect on October 1, 2024, and will remain until March 31, 2026. (Ceylon Today, 7.10.2024)
The 17-member Sri Lanka squad announced, for the three-match T20I series against West Indies. Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, who is the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, approved the squad. The matches are to be played in Dambulla on October 13, 15, and 17. The squad 1. Charith Asalanka – Captain, 2. Pathum Nissanka, 3. Kusal Mendis, 4. Kusal Janith Perera, 5. Kamindu Mendis, 6. Dinesh Chandimal, 7. Avishka Fernando, 8. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 9. Wanindu Hasaranga, 10. Maheesh Theekshana, 11. Dunith Wellalage, 12. Jeffrey Vandersay, 13. Chamidu Wickramasinghe, 14. Nuwan Thushara, 15. Matheesha Pathirana,16. Binura Fernando and 17. Asitha Fernando (Daily News, 10.10.2024)
After nearly a decade of lingering in the lower half of the rankings, Sri Lanka’s national cricket team is on a compelling upward trajectory. Their recent historic series win against New Zealand, the first in 15 years, has catapulted them from sixth to fifth place in the ICC Test rankings. For years, Sri Lanka hovered in the shadows of the top teams, often finding themselves in the bottom half of the table. But in a stunning turnaround this year, they have won six of their eight Test matches, three of them against powerhouses like England and New Zealand. This resurgence is a testament to their growing momentum and ambition. The eight-wicket victory over England last month was particularly sweet—Sri Lanka’s first win over the Three Lions in a decade, either home or away. Following their memorable triumph at Headingley in 2014, Sri Lanka endured a dismal record against England, including a crushing 2-0 defeat during the 2016 UK tour, followed by 2-0 and 3-0 whitewashes at home in 2018 and 2021, respectively. The recent win breaks the long drought, signaling a return to form. Equally significant was the triumph over New Zealand, their first series win since 2009. In the six series between then and this latest victory, New Zealand dominated, winning four, with two ending in stalemates. So, what’s behind Sri Lanka’s resurgence? A shift in training philosophy has been pivotal. Fielding, once a perennial weak point, is now a cornerstone of their strategy, and an emphasis on minute details, such as running between the wickets, has sharpened their game. Backing the right players and giving them confidence has also paid dividends, as evidenced by the prolific form of Kamindu Mendis. At the helm of this revival is Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya, whose hands-on approach has revitalized the team. Not to be overlooked, the selectors have shown a boldness in decision-making, unafraid to make tough calls. Against England, they opted for an all-seam attack in the final Test at The Oval, leaving out spinner Prabath Jayasuriya—a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Similarly, after Ramesh Mendis claimed six wickets in the first Test against New Zealand, dropping him seemed unthinkable. Yet, the selectors had the foresight to make the tough decision, replacing him with debutant Nishan Peiris, who responded by taking nine wickets, including a decisive five-wicket haul in the second innings. This steady success has seen Sri Lanka climb the ranks in the World Test Championship (WTC). Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, they are now sitting third in the WTC points table, behind only India and Australia. With just four matches remaining, three wins could see them through to the final at Lord’s next summer. Sri Lanka’s path to the WTC final will not be easy, with crucial series against South Africa in Port Elizabeth and Durban in November, followed by a January showdown against Australia in Galle. But with their newfound confidence and form, Sri Lanka are poised to continue their upward march, leaving the days of mediocrity far behind. (Daily Island, 8.10.20240Fixture: Sri Lanka Vs West Indies: T20, October 13- 1st T20 at Dambulla, October 15- 2nd T20 at Dambulla, October 17- 3rd T20 at Dambulla. ODI, October 20- 1st ODI at Pallekele October 23- 2nd ODI at Pallekele, October 26- 3rd ODI at Pallekele (Ceylon Today, 10.10.2024)
The touring West Indies, beat Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the first T20, played at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla.
Scores; Sri Lanka – 179/7 in 20 Overs (Asalanka 59, Kusal Mendis 51, Shepherd 2/39)
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West Indies – 180/5 in 19.1 Overs (King 63, Lewis 50, Pathirana 2/27)
Player of the Match: Brandon King (West Indies)
T20 Debut: Sharmar Springer (West Indies)
The touring West Indies, were beaten by Sri Lanka by 73runs in the second T20, played at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla.
Scores: Sri Lanka – 162/5 in 20 overs (Nissanka 54, Kusal Mendis 26, Perera 24, Shepherd 2/23, Springer 1/24)
West Indies – 89 in 16.1 overs (Powell 20, A. Joseph 16, Wellalage 3/9, Asalanka 2/6, Thhekshana 2/7)
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
T20 debut: Dunith Wellalage (Sri Lanka)
The touring West Indies, were beaten by Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the third and final T20, played at Rangiri International Stadium, Dambulla. Score:”
West Indies – 162/8 in 20 overs (Powell 37, Motie 32, King 23, Theekshana 2/19, Hasaranga 2/24)
Sri Lanka – 166/1 in 18 Overs ( Kusal Mendis 68no, Perera 55no, Nissanka 39, Motie 1/310
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Player of the Series: Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka won the 3-match series 2-1.
Sri Lanka Cricket selectors have selected the 16-member squad for the three-match ODI series against the West Indies. The ODI series will commence on 20 October 2024 at the PICS, Pallekele. Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis. Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha FernandoDilshan Madushanka,
Mohamed Shiraz (Daily Mirror, 18.10.2024)
The touring West Indies, were beaten by Sri Lanka by 5 wickets (DLS Method) in the first ODI, played at Pallakelle International Stadium, Kandy. Scores:
West Indies – 185/4 in 38.3 Overs (Rutherford 74, Carty 37, Chase33no, Hasaranga 2/18, Vandersay 1/45)
Sri Lanka – 234/5 in 31.5 Overs (Asalanka 77, Madushka 69, Kamindu Mendis 30no, Motie 3/47, Alzarri Joseph 2/39)
Player of the Match: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
ODI Debut: Nishan Madushka (Sri Lanka)
BLACKCAPS squad | Sri Lanka T20I & ODI series: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell,, ) Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy (Otago Volts), Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi and Will Young. The series begins on November 9 and has two T20Is followed by three ODIs. (ICC) New Zealand ODI and T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young .(Ceylon Today, 23.10.2024 and Daily Mirror, 23.10.2024))
Rex Clementine at Pallekele – While spending time in New York during this year’s World Cup, this writer struck up an unlikely friendship with an American named Ryan. Naturally, as it happens when two worlds collide, he wanted cricket explained. So, gave him the simplest version that one could: “If the team that bats first scores 100 runs, the team batting second just needs to score one run more. Simple, right?” Or so we thought. After the first ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies, there was a text message from Ryan, calling yours truly a liar. Couldn’t help but laugh. West Indies had batted first and managed 185 for four in 38.3 overs, but Sri Lanka were given a revised target of 232 in 37 overs. “How in the world does that make sense?” Ryan demanded. He wasn’t alone – even die-hard fans in the stands were scratching their heads. Enter the Duckworth-Lewis Method, a cricketing enigma wrapped in a riddle and dipped in algebra. Trying to explain Duckworth-Lewis to a novice is like trying to explain physics over a cup of tea. Duckworth Lewis is like Donald Trump at a press conference: random, unpredictable, and by the end of it, you are more confused than when you started. If that doesn’t resonate, perhaps it’s like Kanchana Wijesekara’s electricity tariff hikes—sudden, steep, and without an ounce of conscience for the common man. Fair play seems about as rare in Duckworth-Lewis as it does in Kanchana’s policies. And just like the long-suffering people of Matara are planning to teach him a lesson in the next election, cricket fans may wish someone would put the DLS method through a similar electoral test. A system that leaves everyone scratching their heads doesn’t belong in the game. Fair play, after all, should extend to the fans’ understanding as well. The key principle behind Duckworth-Lewis is that if the team batting first hasn’t lost many wickets, the chasing team is handed a bigger target. If the first team has lost several wickets, then the target shrinks accordingly. Before Duckworth-Lewis, rain-affected games were decided by methods even more ridiculous—like the ‘most productive over’ rule. It was so disastrous that cricket authorities had to scramble for a mathematical solution after the farcical 1992 World Cup semi-final between England and South Africa. In that infamous match, South Africa needed 22 runs from 13 balls when rain briefly interrupted play. When the covers came off and play resumed, South Africa needed 21 runs—from one ball. Duckworth-Lewis is, admittedly, fairer than those methods. The problem is that nobody can explain it without reaching for a calculator. It’s now called the DLS method, after another statistician, Professor Steven Stern, joined to help fine-tune it. But for all its adjustments, it remains a mystery as baffling as cricket itself. (Daily Island, 22.10.2024)
The touring West Indies, were beaten by Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in the second ODI, played at Pallakelle International Stadium, Kandy. Scores:
West Indies – 189 in 36 Overs (Rutherford 80, Carty 37, Moties 50, Hasaranga 4/40, Theekshana 3/25, Asitha fernando 3/35)
Sri Lanka – 1904/5 in 38.2 Overs (Asalanka 62, Madushka 38, Samarawickrama 38, Liyanage 24, Alzarri Joseph 2/30, Motie 1/80)
Player of the Match: Mahesh Theekshana (Sri Lanka)
The touring West Indies, beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets (DLS Method) in the third and final ODI, played at Pallakelle International Stadium, Kandy. Scores:
Sri Lanka – 156/3 in 23 overs (Nissanka 56, Kusal Mendis 56no, Avishka Fernando 34, Chase 1/20, Ruthrford 1/27)
West Indies – 196/2 in 22 overs (Lewis 102no, Rutherford 50no, Avishka Fernando 1/39, Madushanmka 1/52)
Sri Lanka won the three-match series 2-1.
ODI Debut: Jewel Andrew (West Indies)
Player of the Match: Even Lewis) West Indies.
Player of the Series: Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka)
ICC – The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the appointment of Sumathi Dharmawardena P.C. as the new Independent Chair of the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU). Mr Dharmawardena replaces Sir Ronnie Flanagan who retired from the role after 14 years. Mr Dharmawardena brings a wealth of experience including serving as an Additional Solicitor General at the Attorney General’s Department of Sri Lanka, in which he represents the Government of Sri Lanka, including the Ministry of Sport, in a variety of legal matters. In addition, the new ACU Chair has worked with Interpol and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, investigating corruption in sport, as well as overseeing several investigations and prosecutions under the Prevention of Offences relating to Sports Act, an Act which he was instrumental in formulating. He has also represented the Government of Sri Lanka in discussions and negotiations with other global sporting organisations. The Independent Chair of the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit is responsible for overseeing and leading the ACU, which is managed at the executive level by the General Manager – Integrity. Mr Dharmawardena starts in the role on 1 November 2024. (Daily Mirror, 30.10.2024)
