by Rex Clementine

As the World Test Championship (WTC) inches toward its climax with South Africa and Australia locking horns in the finals, it’s time for Sri Lanka to rummage through the wreckage and figure out where the wheels came off. This was no ordinary campaign – it was a rollercoaster ride with breathtaking highs and gut-wrenching lows. A series win against the Aussies would crown Sri Lanka’s effort with a third-place finish, leaving fans asking themselves, “What if?” But as the old adage goes, there’s no use crying over spilt milk – especially when the cow’s long gone.

Sri Lanka’s troubles started right at the launch pad, losing 2-0 at home to Pakistan. The team seemed adrift, moving like a ship without a rudder. Planning was so poor like successive governments that are simply unable to take on Dudley Sirisena, who dictates the price of rice in this country.

And Pakistan? They didn’t exactly set the world on fire – they just capitalized on Sri Lanka’s comedy of errors. Sloppy fielding gave the visitors one lifeline too many, while the batting unit collapsed faster than a house of cards in a hurricane. It was a sorry spectacle, to put it mildly.

If poor fielding and batting weren’t enough, the selectors added to the circus. The decision to persist with Dimuth Karunaratne as captain – despite his clear intention to step down – was baffling. Dhananjaya de Silva should have taken the reins before the new cycle. Instead, the selectors played musical chairs with leadership, leaving the team in limbo. But as they say, too many cooks spoil the soup  – and the selectors seemed to be stirring the pot with a blindfold on.

To make matters worse, Kamindu Mendis, one of the most promising talents, was left cooling his heels on the sidelines. It was like leaving a star chef in the kitchen while serving microwave meals. Anyway the batting was not covering itself in glory and there was a perfect opportunity for Kamindu to be drafted in.

Sri Lanka started 2024 on the basement of the table and what they achieved since is outstanding.

The turnaround, when it came, was remarkable. The appointment of Upul Tharanga as head of selectors brought accountability and transparency—a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room. Enter Sanath Jayasuriya as head coach, whose hands-on approach injected energy and purpose into the squad. Together, they engineered a stunning revival, guiding Sri Lanka to three overseas Test wins – a rarity that had fans pinching themselves.

Then came the infamous hour of madness at Old Trafford. After winning the toss, Sri Lanka inexplicably chose to bat first in overcast conditions. What followed was a car crash of a session, with the team stumbling to 96 for six. While they fought valiantly to claw their way back, 50 extra runs could have turned the tide, boosting their chances for a spot in the finals and a historic series win in England. But alas, hindsight, like a rearview mirror, always shows the clearest picture.

One of the bright sparks in Sri Lanka’s campaign has been Kamindu Mendis. The man is a glue stick in human form – holding the innings together when wickets tumble like autumn leaves. Sure, Sri Lanka still has its share of batting collapses, but Kamindu’s knack for stitching partnerships with the tail has been a game-changer. His resilience has ensured the bowlers always have something to defend, however modest.

On the bowling front, Prabath Jayasuriya has been a revelation, weaving his web of spin to capture 49 wickets in the cycle – a number that could swell further against Australia. Meanwhile, seamers Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara have risen to the occasion, delivering performances that Sri Lankan fast bowlers aren’t usually associated with. Asitha’s 34 wickets at an average of 28 and Kumara’s 30 scalps at 23 have added much-needed bite to the attack.

On the flip side, Dimuth Karunaratne has been a shadow of his former self, managing just four half-centuries in 11 Tests. For a player of his caliber, these numbers are as underwhelming as a flat soda. It’s hard to see him continuing into the next cycle, especially with younger players knocking on the door. He maybe not the only ex-captain on the way out.

This was Sri Lanka’s third WTC cycle and their closest brush with the finals. They’ve proven they have the mettle to compete with the big boys, but the Achilles’ heel remains their tendency to crumble under pressure. If they can plug the leaks – particularly the batting collapses – there’s no reason they can’t make a serious dent in the next cycle.