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Games Schoolboys Played- Cricket lovely Cricket

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by J. Godwin Perera

‘Cricket, lovely cricket At Lord’s where I saw it Cricket lovely cricket At Lord’s where I saw it Yardley tried his best But Goddard won the test They gave the crowd plenty fun Second test and West Indies won With those little pals of mine Ramadhin and Valentine’

(Lovely is sometimes written as “luvverly”)

This calypso was written to celebrate the West Indies 326 run victory against England in the second Test at Lord’s in 1950. The first of those two little pals Ramadhin took 5 for 66 and 6 for 86 while the second little pal, Valentine took 4 for 48 and 3 for 79. West Indies won that four Test series by 3-1. The West Indies with the mighty ‘Ws’ – Weekes, Worrel and Walcott dominated the international cricket scene with their batting prowess. That is until the Indians with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kholi, Rohit Sharma and Pakistanis such as Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohamed Yousuf and Saeed Anwar displaced them. A thousand apologies for not including Aussie, New Zealand, English and South African batting greats. But we are brown skinned, No?

Before the allegation of being unpatriotic points it’s querulous finger and at the risk of treading on thin ice let’s mention with great pride our very own super batsmen that mesmerized the international cricket world – Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardane, Arvinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Arjuna Ranatunge and here’s where the thin ice may crack – Romesh Kuluwitharana (Affectionately called ‘Little Karu’ by the late Tony Greig). While the urge to carry on writing about international cricket scenarios surges within, the Muse declares ‘Come, come. Keep to the topic.’ OK, OK, so here goes.

We are a cricket crazy nation. Opinions will differ about the contribution made to our country by the English. But why raise a Haa Hoo of a controversy? There’s one thing on which we all agree – they taught us cricket. And cricket has got us tightly wrapped around in a fond embrace. Walk down the by-ways and alley – ways of Colombo and other than stray dogs who would try to nip your ankle which can be dangerous or mistake you for a lamp post and unselfconsciously raise a hind leg which can be embarrassing, there would be urchins from six to 26 playing cricket with a tennis ball and a home made wooden bat.

Cricket is also played in the villages. The bat is made from the coconut tree branch – ‘Polpithi Bat’. But just can’t keep the Windies out of this. Interestingly, West Indies cricket celebrity Brian Lara best known for his 400 not out in the Test against England in 2004 stated ‘My first bat was shaped of a coconut branch. And from that day all I wanted to do was to be a cricketer.’

And so it happens that most schoolboys wanted to be cricketers. Their heroes were the First Eleven cricket team, and their main ambition was to play for this team. It was what their dreams were made of. But like many a dream, comes a time when it get’s a trifle muddled. It happens when a school girl with long plaits intrudes into that dream. The Mind would say ‘Go on play cricket. Don’t you want to play for the First Eleven?’ The Heart would say ‘Skip cricket for a while and go and meet that girl after school.’ However after a few futile attempts, failure in that direction is conceded. So it is back to cricket. But not all can enter that hallowed pool from which selections are made for the First Eleven team. Well, not yet. But playing cricket outside that pool was for anybody so long as one could run and wave one’s arm around in a circular motion. And ‘anybody’ meant most bodies. After the final bell had been rung and the studious (rather few) with furrowed brow wended their way home the ‘many’ gathered on the grounds to play cricket on their own terms.

While the main grounds were strictly meant for the cricketing elite or athletes who kept running round in circles and sprinting around the bend, there was ample room elsewhere. In these open spaces there would be clusters of nondescripts who played cricket. Well, a sort of. A bat – a real bat. A leather ball from which the shine had long, long disappeared was all the equipment needed. The length of the pitch depended on the space available. If less than the regulation 20.12 meters and most often it was less, then fast bowling was not allowed. The sole arbitrator whether bowling was fast or medium or slow was the batsman.

There were no ‘Cricket Schools’ at that time, where eager beaver kids fully equipped from b…. guards to boots were coached to attain heights of fame in the cricketing world. Hence here was practiced with much fervor, strokes such as ‘forward defense,’ ‘cover drive,’ ‘leg glance’, (not glance at leg!) ‘late cut’ etc…. Since Murali had not as yet appeared on the scene, bowlers would practice ‘leg spin,’ ‘off spin’ and ‘googly’. Yes, yes, we seem to be rushing in where even angels fear to tread. But never mind, let’s carry on. Within the limited space to play and with no pads, a leather ball can do damage. Nothing serious. A bump on the shin or a bruised forearm was all that was left to take home and talk about. And there was much to talk about. For one thing the bumps and bruises. More important was how a clean white shirt of the morning had developed russet colored patches by evening. But as someone said ‘No gains without pains’.

Watched by eagle-eyed House Captains and through a process of elimination some of these nondescript cricketers would be selected for ‘Inter –House’ cricket. And so the elimination goes on. Until finally, a chosen few would be admitted to that holy of holies the First Eleven cricket pool. Here the pride of donning the college blazer emblazoned with the college crest and having the college cap became a near reality. An added and often prized benefit was that there would be more admiring glances from nearby school girls. It was all in the game!

But, what if the monsoon thunderously growls and hurls darts of lightning screaming ‘Come out and I will give you the works’. Ah! Not to worry. There is another type of cricket. Book Cricket. And it’s played indoors beyond the reach of the monsoon rains. If it takes two to tango it takes two to play Book Cricket.

Each person selects the test playing country of his choice and writes down the names of the team in batting order. The venue is a book. Any book. The bigger the better. But one has to make sure that the left hand pages of the book are even numbered. Generally most books adhere to this format. A coin is flipped to decide who should bat first. That decided, the bowling partner opens the book at random. What counts as runs is the last digit on the left hand side, page number. It can be anything from 2 to 0. And the runs begin to flow for each batsman, 2, 4, 6, but 8 – goes to Extras. and 0 means out. Then the next batsman ‘bats’ until the 10th batsman is out. Score is added. 1st innings over. The other side bats. And so it goes on until there is a decision. Yah! Anything for cricket. Because boys will be boys. And girls will be girls. Thank Heaven!!



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Features

BRICS’ pushback against dollar domination sparks global economic standoff

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BRICS leaders at the recent Summit in Brazil. /United Nations

If one were to look for a ‘rationale’ for the Trump administration’s current decision to significantly raise its tariffs on goods and services entering its shores from virtually the rest of the world, then, it is a recent statement by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that one needs to scrutinize. He is quoted as saying that tariffs could return ‘to April levels, if countries fail to strike a deal with the US.’

In other words, countries are urged to negotiate better tariff rates with the US without further delay if they are not to be at the receiving end of the threatened new tariff regime and its disquieting conditions. An unemotional approach to the questions at hand is best.

It would be foolish on the part of the rest of the world to dismiss the Trump administration’s pronouncements on the tariff question as empty rhetoric. In this crisis there is what may be called a not so veiled invitation to the world to enter into discussions with the US urgently to iron out what the US sees as unfair trade terms. In the process perhaps mutually acceptable terms could be arrived at between the US and those countries with which it is presumably having costly trade deficits. The tariff crisis, therefore, should be approached as a situation that necessitates earnest, rational negotiations between the US and its trading partners for the resolving of outstanding issues.

Meanwhile, the crisis has brought more into the open simmering antagonisms between the US and predominantly Southern groupings, such as the BRICS. While the tariff matter figured with some urgency in the recent BRICS Summit in Brazil, it was all too clear that the biggest powers in the grouping were in an effort ‘to take the fight back to the US’ on trade, investment and connected issues that go to the heart of the struggle for global predominance between the East and the US. In this connection the term ‘West’ would need to be avoided currently because the US is no longer in complete agreement with its Western partners on issues of the first magnitude, such as the Middle East, trade tariffs and Ukraine.

Russian President Putin is in the forefront of the BRICS pushback against US dominance in the world economy. For instance, he is on record that intra-BRICS economic interactions should take place in national currencies increasingly. This applies in particular to trade and investment. Speaking up also for an ‘independent settlement and depository system’ within BRICS, Putin said that the creation of such a system would make ‘currency transactions faster, more efficient and safer’ among BRICS countries.

If the above and other intra-BRICS arrangements come to be implemented, the world’s dependence on the dollar would steadily shrink with a corresponding decrease in the power and influence of the US in world affairs.

The US’ current hurry to bring the world to the negotiating table on economic issues, such as the tariff question, is evidence that the US has been fully cognizant of emergent threats to its predominance. While it is in an effort to impress that it is ‘talking’ from a position of strength, it could very well be that it is fearful for its seemingly number one position on the world stage. Its present moves on the economic front suggest that it is in an all-out effort to keep its global dominance intact.

At this juncture it may be apt to observe that since ‘economics drives politics’, a less dollar dependent world could very well mark the beginning of the decline of the US as the world’s sole super power. One would not be exaggerating by stating that the tariff issue is a ‘pre-emptive’, strategic move of sorts by the US to remain in contention.

However, the ‘writing on the wall’ had been very manifest for the US and the West for quite a while. It is no longer revelatory that the global economic centre of gravity has been shifting from the West to the East.

Asian scholarship, in particular, has been profoundly cognizant of the trends. Just a few statistics on the Asian economic resurgence would prove the point. Parag Khanna in his notable work, ‘The Future is Asian’, for example, discloses the following: ‘Asia represents 50 percent of global GDP…It accounts for half of global economic growth. Asia produces and exports as well as imports and consumes more goods than any region.’

However, the US continues to be number one in the international power system currently and non-Western powers in particular would be erring badly if they presume that the economic health of the world and connected matters could be determined by them alone. Talks with the US would not only have to continue but would need to be conducted with the insight that neither the East nor the West would stand to gain by ignoring or glossing over the US presence.

To be sure, any US efforts to have only its way in the affairs of the world would need to be checked but as matters stand, the East and the South would need to enter into judicious negotiations with the US to meet their legitimate ends.

From the above viewpoint, it could be said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the most perceptive of Southern leaders at the BRICS Summit. On assuming chairmanship of the BRICS grouping, Modi said, among other things: ‘…During our chairmanship of BRICS, we will take this forum forward in the spirit of people-centricity and humanity first.’

People-centricity should indeed be the focus of BRICS and other such formations of predominantly the South, that have taken upon themselves to usher the wellbeing of people, as opposed to that of power elites and ruling classes.

East and West need to balance each other’s power but it all should be geared towards the wellbeing of ordinary people everywhere. The Cold War years continue to be instructive for the sole reason that the so-called ordinary people in the Western and Soviet camps gained nothing almost from the power jousts of the big powers involved. It is hoped that BRICS would grow steadily but not at the cost of democratic development.

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Features

Familian Night of Elegance …

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The UK branch of the Past Pupils Association of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya went into action last month with their third grand event … ‘Familian Night of Elegance.’ And, according to reports coming my way, it was nothing short of a spectacular success.

This dazzling evening brought together over 350 guests who came to celebrate sisterhood, tradition, and the deep-rooted bonds shared by Familians around the world.

Describing the event to us, Inoka De Sliva, who was very much a part of the scene, said:

Inoka De Silva: With one of the exciting prizes – air ticket to Canada and back to the UK

“The highlight of the night was the performance by the legendary Corrine Almeida, specially flown in from Sri Lanka. Her soulful voice lit up the room, creating unforgettable memories for all who attended. She was backed by the sensational UK-based band Frontline, whose energy and musical excellence kept the crowd on their feet throughout the evening.”

Corrine
Almeida:
Created
unforgettable
memories

Inoka, who now resides in the UK, went on to say that the hosting duties were flawlessly handled by the ever popular DJ and compere Vasi Sachi, who brought his trademark style and charisma to the stage, while his curated DJ sets, during the breaks, added fun and a modern vibe to the atmosphere.

Mrs. Rajika Jesuthasan: President of the UK
branch of the Past Pupils Association of
Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya
(Pix by Mishtré Photography’s Trevon Simon

The event also featured stunning dance performances that captivated the audience and elevated the celebration with vibrant cultural flair and energy.

One of the most appreciated gestures of the evening was the beautiful satin saree given to every lady upon arrival … a thoughtful and elegant gift that made all feel special.

Guests were also treated to an impressive raffle draw with 20 fantastic prizes, including air tickets.

The Past Pupils Association of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, UK branch, was founded by Mrs. Rajika Jesuthasan née Rajakarier four years ago, with a clear mission: to bring Familians in the UK together under one roof, and to give back to their beloved alma mater.

As the curtain closed on another successful Familian celebration, guests left with hearts full, and spirits high, and already counting down the days until the next gathering.

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The perfect tone …

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We all want to have flawless skin, yet most people believe that the only way to achieve that aesthetic is by using costly skin care products.

Getting that perfect skin is not that difficult, even for the busiest of us, with the help of simple face beauty tips at home.

Well, here are some essential ways that will give you the perfect tone without having to go anywhere.

Ice Cubes to Tighten Skin:

Applying ice cubes to your skin is a fast and easy effective method that helps to reduce eye bags and pores, and makes the skin look fresh and beautiful. Using an ice cube on your face, as a remedy in the morning, helps to “revive” and prepare the skin.

*  Oil Cleansing for Skin:

Use natural oils, like coconut oil or olive oil, to cleanse your skin. Oils can clean the face thoroughly, yet moisturise its surface, for they remove dirt and excess oil without destroying the skin’s natural barriers. All one has to do is pick a specific oil, rub it softly over their face, and then wipe it off, using a warm soak (cloth soaked in warm water). It is a very simple method for cleaning the face.

* Sugar Scrub:

Mix a tablespoon of sugar with honey, or olive oil, to make a gentle scrub. Apply it in soft, circular motions, on your face and wash it off after a minute. This helps hydrate your skin by eliminating dead skin cells, which is the primary purpose of the scrub.

*  Rose Water Toner:

One natural toner that will soothe and hydrate your skin is rose water. Tightening pores, this water improves the general texture of your skin. This water may be applied gently to the face post-cleansing to provide a soothing and hydrating effect to your face.

* Aloe Vera:

It is well known that aloe vera does wonders for the skin. It will provide alleviation for the skin, because of its calming and moisturising effects. The application of aloe vera gel, in its pure form, to one’s skin is beneficial as it aids in moisturising each layer, prevents slight skin deformity, and also imparts a fresh and healthy look to the face. Before going to bed is the best time to apply aloe vera.

Water:

Staying hydrated, by drinking plenty of water (06 to 08 cups or glasses a day), helps to flush toxins and its functions in detoxification of the body, and maintenance the youthfulness of the skin in one’s appearance.

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