Sri Lankan selectors announce new look top order for Sharjah

Charlie Austin

March 19, 2002

Sanath Jayasuriya will have a new opening partner during the forthcoming triangular series in Sharjah next month, as Sri Lanka seek to make changes to the balance of their limited overs side in time for the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka's first choice wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket but hitherto an inconsistent performer in the one-day game, has been identified as the ideal candidate to face the new ball on seamer-friendly conditions expected in England this summer, as well as in South Africa.

The stylish left-hander averages just 22 after 40 ODIs, but has generally batted in positions unsuited to his natural game, at number six and seven, where he is required to push the run rate from the start of his innings.

But Sangakkara prefers to occupy the crease for longer periods of time, slowly raising the tempo of the innings, and the selectors, clearly impressed with ease with which he has settled into the role of an international number three, believe the time has come for a promotion up the order.

The reshuffle was prompted by the realisation, gleaned in South Africa last year, that the role of a pinch-hitter is likely to be limited in the 2003 World Cup on the lively South Africa pitches where survival against the new ball will be the priority.

With Jayasuriya having also now jettisoned his most flamboyant urges in a quest for consistency, Sangakkara's new role thus draws a veil over a high-octane early overs strategy largely responsible for Sri Lanka winning the 1996 World Cup.

As a result Avishka Gunawardene, a brawny left-hander rarely able to curb his attacking instincts, who averaged a respectable but insufficient 29.95 after 37 games, has been dropped from the 15-man squad.

Romesh Kaluwithrana, Jayasuriya's most famous opening partner, whose audacious exploitation of fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs at the 1996 World Cup forced the addition of "pinch-hitting" to the cricketing lexicon, remains in the squad and could still find a role within the middle order.

But this appears unlikely. Kaluwitharana's batting average remains disappointing - 22.48 after 170 games - with occasional good scores being marred by inconsistency and Sangakkara's glovework has improved sufficiently over the past year for him to keep wicket on a permanent basis.

Instead, the selectors have identified Tillakaratne Dilshan for the vacant number six position. A player long admired for his natural ability, he has thus far failed to translate potential into performance at the highest level. However, unlike in the past, when he usually batted at number seven, he can now look forward to a proper opportunity to cement a place in the side.

There would have been some deliberation over the pivotal all-rounder position at number seven. Unfortunately, Suresh Perera, previously considered the best long-term choice with his explosive hitting, lithe fielding and slippery medium pace, is struggling to regain form and confidence after his bowling action was reported by West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor last August.

Although the World Cup need is for a batsman who can bowl medium pace, Upul Chandana demands a place in the side because of his all-round exploits against Kenya last month, especially his ferocious batting, and he will bat at number seven if Sri Lanka opt for only two quicks.

However, if three fast bowlers are required, as will probably be the case against Pakistan, then Chandana may have to give way, meaning that Vaas or Dharmasena bat at seven.

The bowling department posed fewer problems for the selectors. Fast bowlers Chaminda Vaas, Buddhika Fernando and Nuwan Zoysa pick themselves, as do spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Dharmasena.

Dilhara Fernando returns to the team after recovering from a stress fracture in his back and Pulasthi Gunaratne wins his first international tour after impressive performances in the A team.

New Zealand and Pakistan are the other two sides competing in the triangular, which is scheduled to commence on 8 April.

The squad for the tour of England will also be announced shortly, after the semi-final stage of the domestic competition next weekend.

Sharjah squad:

Sanath Jayasuriya (Capt), Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Russel Arnold, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Romesh Kaluwithrana, Upul Chandana, Kumar Dharmasena, Chaminda Vaas, Buddika Fernando, Nuwan Zoysa, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Fernando, Pulasthi Gunaratne.

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