The Lankan Mission
UMPIRE's POST
| The last time Sri Lanka won the World Cup in 1996, it was a team of potent individuals strung together by an autocratic captain. Ranatunga, once almost overlooked as captain for being a street fighter, was on a mission. |
| When he made his debut in Sri Lanka's inaugural test against England in 1982, he had to haul his kit on to a crowded 6 am train and travel 20 miles. In his 11 years as captain, Ranatunga refused to bow down to cricket's traditional powerhouses. |
| He called Australia a country of racist sledgers, questioned their legacy and ensured that Murali continued to play international cricket in spite of being called for chucking in Australia. Sri Lanka's 1995-96 series in Australia was perhaps the most bitter since the Bodyline. |
| His 1996 World Cup campaign was designed to earn worldwide respect for his team "" the country had won just three World Cup games prior to the tournament "" and he achieved it in a dream-come-true taming of Australia in the final. |
| This Sri Lankan team is vastly different. Jayawardene, a democratic captain, leads a team secure of its stature. The captain too is secure. The senior pros have moved on and Sangakkara, who could have been a rival for the post, is a comrade-in-arms. |
| On the surface, the Sri Lankan cricket administration is almost as anarchic as India's "" the board is ad-hoc and the government has a huge say. |
| However, scratch the surface and you will discover the triumph of stability and team bonding. The three survivors from 1996 "" |
| Murali, Vaas and Jayasuriya "" remain vital cogs. Seven of the 11 that played the semi-final against New Zealand were in an all-time Sri Lankan one-day 11 chosen by Cricinfo, the website and magazine. |
| Despite losing to India in the run-up to this tournament, Sri Lanka planned their preparation and strategy meticulously. Eleven years ago, they surprised everyone by unleashing astonishing stroke-play in the first 15 overs as opposed to the time-tested method of cautious accumulation. |
| This time Malinga packs a stinging punch with the new ball and the attack, in its variety and efficacy, is the best seen in this tournament. |
| This team also has the hallmark of champions. They field like demons. If the stars do not perform, others step in. The biggest achievements are celebrated by no more than some backslapping and toothy smiles. |
| Hopefully, the end of the Sri Lanka story is not the fate that was India's, four years ago. |