by Rex Clementine

In recent years, Sri Lanka Cricket has wielded the axe on senior players with an almost clinical ruthlessness, but the tide seems to be turning. Current Chairman of Selectors, Upul Tharanga, has hinted at a more measured and amicable approach, emphasizing dialogue and mutual understanding with the seasoned campaigners before making any decisive moves.

Last month, Sri Lanka embarked on a tour of South Africa sitting pretty in third place on the World Test Championship (WTC) table, with a golden ticket to the final at Lord’s next June tantalizingly within reach. But the tour ended in a crushing 2-0 series loss, punctuated by an ignominious collapse in Durban, where the team was skittled out for a paltry 42 runs in just 14 overs—their lowest total in Test cricket history.

The fallout from the debacle turned the spotlight on former captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews. Mathews scratched together 102 runs in four innings without a single half-century, while Karunaratne fared even worse, amassing a dismal 27 runs and falling to Kagiso Rabada in all four innings—a true case of a rabbit caught in the headlights.

At 36, Karunaratne’s form has been on the wane, with a barren streak stretching to 19 innings without a century this year. Mathews, a year older at 37, has managed just one hundred in 18 innings. Yet, their illustrious careers speak volumes: Mathews’ 8042 Test runs place him third among Sri Lanka’s all-time leading scorers, while Karunaratne’s 7165 runs earn him the fourth spot.

With Sri Lanka’s WTC hopes now hanging by a thread, some voices argue it’s time to turn the page and invest in youth to lay the foundation for the next WTC cycle.

“We’ll have a conversation with them to understand their future plans,” Tharanga said. “Yes, it’s a home series, which presents a great opportunity to blood young talent. But at the same time, Dimuth and Angelo are seasoned campaigners who’ve been pivotal for us over the years.”

Both Tests against Australia are slated for Galle, a venue where the duo have a stellar track record. Tharanga believes their experience could still tip the scales. “Even though our position in the WTC isn’t ideal, there’s the motivation to reclaim the Warne–Murali Trophy. Both players bring a wealth of experience and can still contribute.”

Tharanga also pointed out that Karunaratne is on the brink of a major milestone: 100 Test matches. “Dimuth has been a true servant of Sri Lankan cricket, and reaching 100 Tests is a rare feat. It’s only fair to give him the chance to achieve that landmark.”

When Tharanga took the reins this year, Sri Lanka Cricket was in shambles. The team had hit rock bottom, finishing the 2023 World Cup in ninth place and missing out on the Champions Trophy for the first time in history. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a nation that had been part of every ICC tournament since 1975.

But with meticulous planning and backing the right players, Tharanga and his panel have sparked a remarkable turnaround. In 2024, Sri Lanka notched up wins over heavyweights New Zealand and West Indies in white-ball cricket, broke a 27-year drought by winning an ODI series against India, and secured a rare Test victory in England after a decade.

“We’re pleased with the strides we’ve made,” Tharanga reflected. “We’ve had to make some tough calls, but it’s rewarding to see the batters stepping up to finish games and the bowlers improving their fitness, which has been instrumental in winning matches. Fielding, too, has seen a marked improvement. That said, we could’ve done better in the T20 World Cup in the USA, and missing out on a WTC final spot stings, especially after the South Africa tour.”

One of Tharanga’s boldest moves was backing Kamindu Mendis. The left-hander has been nothing short of sensational, becoming one of only six players to cross the 1000-run mark in Tests this year. In the process, he matched the legendary Don Bradman as the third-fastest batter to reach the milestone.

“That was a calculated gamble that paid off,” Tharanga admitted. “We were leaning heavily on Sadeera Samarawickrama, but a few wicketkeeping issues forced us to rethink. Kamindu’s consistency across all three formats caught our eye, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. His performances in Tests have been extraordinary this year. In white-ball cricket, he has room to grow, and his bowling – both off-spin and left-arm orthodox – adds crucial balance to the side.”

While Sri Lanka have shored up their performances at home, the real test lies overseas. The upcoming tour of New Zealand looms large, presenting a chance to prove they can win in foreign conditions.

“We’ve laid a solid foundation, but the journey is far from over,” Tharanga said. “Winning overseas is the next frontier, and we’re determined to take that challenge head-on.”

Courtesy: telecomasia.net