U23 Division II Points Table

Key Words

M-match, WO-won outright, LO-lost outright, FW-first inn won, FL-first inn lost,

FT-first inn tie, MT-match tie, NR-no result.

Sri Lankan selectors have decided to make four changes to the team which won the 1st Test in Galle. Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralidaran, Rangana Herath and Chanaka Welagedara have been replaced by Dilhara Fernando, Ajantha Mendis, Suraj Randiv and Dammika Prasad.

Malinga has been left out due to an injury concern which occurred during the 1st Test. Ajantha Mendis finds himself a place after the retirement of Muralidaran and Suraj Randiv is drafted in to the team in place of Rangana Herath who could only capture a solitary wicket in the previous Test.

The pitch carried a tinge of green last evening but it may be removed by the ground staff prior to play. Play gets underway at 1000hrs local time and the team which wins the toss is expected to bat 1st.

Vajira Dassanayake for www.srilankacricket.lk

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis and Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep Fernando have been included in the 16 man squad named to take on India in the 2nd Test match scheduled to begin at SSC Grounds in Colombo on Monday.

Ajantha Mendis replaces Muttiah Muralidaran who retired from Test Cricket last Thursday. Nuwan Pradeep, who is rated as one of the fastest bowlers in the country is drafted in as cover for injured Lasith Malinga. Another remarkable move made by the selectors have been the appointment of Mahela Jayawardena to the position of Vice Captaincy, which was left vacant by the retirement of Muralidaran.

Squad:

1.      Kumar Sangakkara                   –           Captain

2.      T.M. Dilshan

3.      Tharanga Paranawithana

4.      Mahela Jayawardana              -           V Captain

5.      Thilan Samaraweera

6.      Anjelo Mathews

7.      Thilina Kandamby

8.      Prasanna Jayawardena

9.      Ajantha Mendis

10.  Chanaka Welagedara

11.  Suraj Randiv

12.  Rangana Hearth

13.  Dhammika Prasad

14.  Dilhara Fernando

15.  Lahiru Thirimanna

16.  Nuwan Pradeep

Vajira Dassanayake for srilankacricket.lk

Sri Lanka have decided to go in with a varied bowling attack consisting of a left arm Fast bowler, right arm Fast bowler, right arm Off spinner and a left arm orthodox spinner. The batting lineup selected for today’s Test match in Galle is similar to the batting lineup which took on the Indians in India last year.

Team for the 1st Test: 1. Dilshan 2. Paranavithana 3. Sangakkara (c) 4. M. Jayawardena 5. Samaraweera 6. Mathews 7. P. Jayawardena 8. Herath 9. Malinga 10. Muralidharan 11. Welagedara

By Vajira Dassanayake

An emotional Sri Lankan team will take on the touring Indians tomorrow at the Galle International Stadium where it’s greatest Son, Muttiah Muralidharan will be making his final appearance in Test match Cricket.

It was previously anticipated that the Sri Lankans would opt to take on the powerful batting line up of India with intimidating pace with the assistance of a green pitch. However, SLC’s Head of Coaching, Jerome Jayaratne hinted that a firm wicket devoid of any grass is awaiting the two teams in Galle.

This would most definitely prompt the Lankan’s to go with two specialist Fast Bowlers leaving a vacancy for a support spinner for Murali. If the team Management opts for that combination Rangana Herath would definitely be preferred considering his recent form in Test match Cricket. Chanaka Welagedara and Lasith Malinga are expected to open the Lankan attack with all rounder Angelo Mathews to feature as the third seamer.

However, A darker shade visible in the pitch may also mean moisture beneath the surface which may help the quick bowlers early in the game. Murali’s ability to use such conditions to his favor may well open up an opportunity for him to go for the 800 wicket mark.

Lasith Malinga’s return to Test match Cricket after a lapse of two and a half years can be seen as a blessing for the home team, as his reverse swinging ability at extreme pace will add a new dimension to the team.

Chris Dhambarage

Promising left hander Lahiru Thirimanna joined the list of centurions with a magnificent 102 as the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI drew their three day practice match against the touring Indian cricket team at the Colts grounds in Havelock Park yesterday.

The 20-year-old stylish opening batsman who missed out an opportunity in the first innings made amends and went on to reach the three figure mark from 142 balls inclusive of two sixes and nine boundaries.

Thirimanna who was out for 66 in the first innings made his intentions quite clear from the start and settled down to play a long innings where he occupied the crease for nearly three full sessions.

After the home side lost the first innings centurion Upul Tharanga cheaply, Dinesh Chandimal joined Thirimanna and the pair build up the innings with a fine second wicket stand of 113 runs.

Both these players, fresh after returning from Australia with the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team demonstrated great skill and temperament to frustrate the fielding side during the opening session. Chandimal was the more aggressive as he raced to a 56 ball 69 inclusive of four sixes and nine boundaries before losing his wicket shortly before the lunch interval. However Thirimanna concentrated towards reaching a well deserved century and was fifth out with the total on 243. As a result India will head towards Galle for the opening Test match against Sri Lanka somewhat demoralized after being completely outplayed in the three day practice match. They failed to bowl out the home side in both innings and conceded four centuries.

The only bright spot for the Indians was the century from their middle order batsman Yuvraj Singh and left-arm spinner Prgyan Ojha who added three more wickets in the second innings following his five wicket haul in the first inning.

Courtesy: Dailynews

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis provided a glimpse of what he has in store for the Indians during the upcoming three test series by bowling out the touring team almost single handedly on the second day of their three day practice match against the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI which continued at the Colts grounds in Havelock Park yesterday.

Mendis who is set to take over the reigns from Muttiah Muralitharan after the first Test in Galle won a huge psychological battle as he took a superb six wicket haul to bundle out a star studded Indian batting line up for 291 runs.

As a result the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI obtained a massive first innings lead of 223 runs after they had earlier rattled up a mammoth 514 for 9 in their first innings.

However skipper Thilan Samaraweera opted to bat instead of enforcing the follow on but bad light prevented them from commencing the innings. Yuvraj Singh’s fighting century was the only consolation for India who otherwise would have been bowled out for under 200 runs.

Yuvraj Singh hoisted six sixes and struck eleven boundaries but his innings was curtailed to a certain extent while suffering from cramps during the latter stages of the innings.

In fact India were struggling at 80 for 4 at one stage before Yuvraj Singh joined opener Gautham Gambhir to add 143 useful runs for the fifth wicket. Gambhir who was dropped on a couple of occasions made a battling 89 with 13 boundaries.

His dismissal also signaled a middle order collapse as India lost their last six wickets for just 67 runs and were bowled out well inside two sessions. The chief wrecker was Ajantha Mendis who created panic among the Indian top order with his clever variation and accuracy.

Among his victims was the cream of the Indian batting including Gautham Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar and V. V. S. Laxman who were all confused and mesmerized at the crease.

Mendis then ran through the Indian late order batting while adding three more wickets to his tally and finish off the innings on a high note. Earlier fast bowler Chanaka Welagedera struck twice during his opening spell to put the visitors under tremendous pressure from the start. This was after the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI had carried their first innings to an imposing 514 for 9 before declaring shortly before the lunch interval. Dinesh Chandimal batting at number six impressed with an unbeaten 47 which was studded with one six and eight boundaries.

Courtesy: Daily News

Centuries from opener Upul Tharanga, Thilina Kandamby and Thilan Samaraweera tormented the touring Indian cricket team as the Sri Lanka Board President’s XI piled up a massive 432 for 5 wickets in their first innings on the opening day of their three day practice match which commenced at the Colts grounds in Havelock Park yesterday.

While skipper Samaraweera played a more sedate innings, Kandamby a dashing left hander dazzled with the bat while racing to a run a ball century against a near Indian Test bowling attack.

Kandamby who returned from Australia a couple of days ago after a successful series with the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team, got his act together from the start and plundered a sparkling 101 with one six and 13 boundaries.

The 28 year old batted with a great amount of confidence with an array of aggressive strokes as he made a strong claim towards making his Test debut in the first match of the series which begins on Sunday at the Galle International Stadium.

Kandamby in stroking a magnificent century was able to cause heavy damage to the Indian bowling attack which has already been weakened following the injury to two of their key bowlers Zaheer Khan and Sreesanth.

As a result the two spinners Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ohja did the bulk of the bowling while sharing 50 overs between each other and also conceding over one hundred runs. Earlier Upul Tharanga who is of course not in the 21 member squad for the opening test match led the way with an elegant century from 116 balls inclusive of two sixes and 20 boundaries. He provided a bright start to the home side after Thilan Samaraweera had won the toss and elected to bat first. Tharanga and his partner Lahiru Thirimanna another promising left hander figured in a superb opening stand of 188 runs from 34.1 overs. Thirimanna’s contribution was a solid 66 from 110 deliveries inclusive of one six and eight boundaries.

Samaraweera and Kandamby further demoralized the visitors while adding a further 180 runs for the third wicket from 36 overs. Samaraweera also joined the centurions while stroking a splendid 102 from 150 balls with two sixes and a dozen boundaries.

Courtesy : Daily News

SLC has made all plans to commence the second round of its skills development program on 19^th July 2010 at Max Academy.  A group of 18 selective Staff Members which comprise Coaches, Physiotherapists, Trainers and support staff will undergo this extensive program for 8 weeks. This segment of training program will focus on Practical English and presentation skills development. This is a highly practical and interactive program which would effectively help enhance their skills level. Mr. Azlan Shariffdeen who is a reputed corporate trainer will conduct the program this time as well.

By Lasitha Mendis (Manager HR – SLC)

Versatile and veteran Coach Champaka Ramanayake made an emotional comeback to  SLC as National Fast Bowling Coach after a coaching stint with Banagladeshi Cricket Board where he functioned in the same capacity turning out a score of fast bowlers for their national squad. Champaka is very confident of Sri Lanka’s prospects and chances of winning the World Cup in 2011 and is determined to spearhead national campaign by energizing the fast bowling department with some vibrant coaching which he is undoubtedly capable of, given his track record as an inspiring and charismatic Coach.

During his previous tenure with SLC, he was instrumental in bringing out some fine cricketers in the caliber of Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekera to name a few. Champaka firmly believes that Sri Lanka can be the hub of fast bowlers if local talent is timely identified and encompassed.  SLC is convinced that Champaka possesses core- competencies and the drive to deliver goods as he has always been considered a wholehearted performer with a steely determination. He will also strategize plans to counter batsmen who would pose a threat during the World Cup campaign.

Champaka made his debut in Test cricket in 1988 against Australia at Perth and played 18 Test matches until he retired from Test cricket in 1993, after home Test series with South Africa. He has taken 44 wickets at the average of 42.72. His best Test bowling figures had been 8/157. He was also a prolific wicket taker in ODIs capturing 68 wickets in 62 matches. Champaka is a proud product of Richmond College, Galle and became the first player from this premier southern school to represent national team in Test cricket and ODIs.

Muttia Muralitheran has decided to end his test career, after 18 long years of dedicated service to his motherland. The questions that are being asked are WHY? Not when. This goes to prove how worthy a player he has been over the years. He is a breath of fresh air, both on and off the field; he leaves a void that will be very hard to fill. His devotion, dedication and discipline as a true son of his mother country will be spoken of to infinity.

He started his career in 1992, against Australia at the R.Premadasa stadium and bids goodbye to test cricket at his favorite venue the Galle stadium. Murali has been termed as a rare double jointed  wrist spinner, who bowls marathon spells, of off spin  with an open chested action and has dealt deadly blows to the opposition with his big-spinning off breaks and two versions of the top spinner, one which goes straight on and the other labeled as the Doosra which spins in the opposite direction.

His career was never a bed of roses. He was a victim of  umpires  who no balled him with ulterior motives. He survived thanks to the rapid progress of technology and sports science that proved far beyond doubt that he was legitimate.

Muralitheran is one of the greats of all time. He has 792 test scalps, 515 one day victims, 653 first class wickets and 13 in the new found version the T20. 66 five wicket hauls combined with 22 ten wicket match hauls in test cricket, are proven records that will be carved in gold. Ten five wicket hauls in the shorter version of the game, stamps a class that will be difficult to emulate.

He is state of the art; he was a member of 1996, World cup winning team. In the 2007 World cup he had 26 victims all mesmerized by his wily variations. He added strength to his team both on the field, in the dressing room, and his sense of humor in the team bus, and the airplane will be a missing link in the future.

He single handedly won matches for his country and wrote his name in gold when he surpassed Shane Warne’s record of 708 wickets, fittingly at his home ground in Kandy against the Englishmen in December 2007, and in 2009  broke Wasim Akrams one day record of 502 wickets. The great Pakistan bowler Wasim Akram told the world media that he was proud that his record was broken by a top class bowler who richly deserved this accolade.

He leaves a legacy to all young hopefuls, a match haul of 16 wickets at the Cornhill Test at Lords, against the Englishmen and his eight wickets haul at Trent Bridge in 2006, are a few memories of the many we remember.

Thank you Murali, for those memories, you leave the field with an untarnished name and a name that will be spoken of in many a corner unto infinity.

Paceman Thisara Perera took a five wicket haul and all rounder Jeevan Mendis hit an unbeaten half century to guide Sri Lanka ‘A’ to a five wicket victory over Australia ‘A’ in the first unofficial one day match played at the Riverway Stadium in Townsville yesterday.

Perera returned excellent figures of five wickets for 37 from nine overs as Australia ‘A’ were restricted to 197 for 9 from their 50 overs having won the toss and elected to bat first.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ reached their target with two overs to spare with Jeevan Mendis stroking an unbeaten 81 from 116 balls inclusive of five boundaries. He put on 63 for the fourth wicket with Chamara Kapugedera and figured in an unfinished sixth wicket stand of 86 runs with Kosala Kulasekera.

Australia ‘A’: 197 for 9 in 50 overs (M. S. Wade 33, A. J. Finch 19, T. R. Birt 54, M. C. Henriques 26, J. Doherty 37 n.o, S. Senanayake 2 for 35, T. Perera 5 for 37).

Sri Lanka ‘A’: 198 for 5 in 47.4 overs (J. Mendis 81 n.o, C. Kapugedera 28, K. Kulasekera 44 n.o, J. A. Haberfield 2 for 21)

Courtesy: Dailynews