Why Jayasuriya & Vaas are essential for World Cup 2011

With the dawn the New Year, players of all countries contesting the 2011 World Cup are hard at practice. The countries have named their provisional squads of 30 players, from which the selectors will pick a squad of 15 by January 15 according to the rules of the International Cricket Council.

The Sri Lanka 30-member squad is being put through their paces by the coaches comprising Trevor Bayliss, Stuart Law, Champaka Ramanayake and Ruwan Kalpage.

Bayliss and Law are concentrating on the batting techniques, while Ramanayake and Kalpage are watching the bowling and fielding drills.

The squad is made up of tried and tested players who have been in the constellation of either Test, one-day or Twenty20 cricket. So there is not much to correct in them except the fine tuning of techniques for the Tests and the psychological finesse that goes with the terrain.

Talking situations

No doubt the preparations within the training squad should include discussions on various scenarios that range from the strategies of our teams and those of our opponents, from the type of wickets the curators will prepare and those that they will not prepare, from the quality of bowling to aggression of batting and …of course in these times of the effects of global warming, the vagaries and impacts of the weather.

Having played the game and being involved in writing about the game for over four decades, and having followed the failures and successes of our cricketers, we make bold to hazard a guess of the likely squad of 15 should be for the 2011 World Cup. We do so with all due respect to the selectors led by former batting great Aravinda de Silva, Ranjit Fernando, Amal Silva and Shabir Asgerally who when they sit to pencil the final squad will do so with none to fear.

Their target is to pick the squad that will deliver and bring the big prize in one-day cricket home. They have been in selection game before and are thick skinned enough to receive bouquets or the brickbats that await them after selection with equanimity. These selectors are gentleman of repute and neither fear nor favour affects them.

Arm chair critics

The brickbats will come from arm chair critics many of whom may not have handled a bat or know neither a chuck from legitimate delivery. And so thick skins and a sense of humour is what the Selectors and Sri Lanka Cricket led by D.S. de Silva need.

The selectors have made it known that they will look for the complete team. Translated, this means that they will mix youth with experience. With the World Cup not a pitch for the timid, there is no substitute for experience.

That is where the experience of Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas is essential. The selectors are all men of honesty and great integrity and who knows what it is to play a straight bat. Like in a team where only 11 can play, the ICC rules require that they name only 15. They would love to name more. But it is 15 and that’s it!

So here we go and here’s our 15. Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Matthews, Thisara Perera, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitheran, Suraj Randiv, Nuwan Kulasekera, Ajantha Mendis, Malinga Bandara, Lasith Malinga.

The one player we would have loved to include was Dinesh Chandimal. But with only a squad of 15 allowed, it was with great reluctance that we had to leave him out of our radar.

J and V essential

Jayasuriya and Vaas are essentials in the team. They have been in World Cups and finals before and know the frying pan heat that exists and are the ideal foam and hoses to douse the fire.

Jayasuriya need not allow the political tag that he is carrying worry him. As usual he will have the green-eyeds baying for his ouster. Cricket is a different ball game and he has the all round experience and the talent to prove his worth, value and necessity in the team.

Jayasuriya has been tops at training. He has shown that age has not slowed his reflexes nor dimmed his enthusiasm and hunger. He is performing every drill like he did a decade ago and is looking ferocious like a lion in hunger and waiting to pounce and devour. He must be let loose.

Chaminda Vaas too has shown that he has not lost his ability, although he has slowed in pace. He is now concentrating on line, length and movement and pushing batsmen into the run drought zone. His batting skills have improved tremendously and he has shown an opening batsman’s flair in recent times.

Different stroke

The choosing of the final eleven to take the field we leave that to those who will have to execute a different stroke which will be no easy task, because they will be on a sticky wicket. However the playing eleven will be known, only after a look at the wicket. If it is a green top then it is obvious that Sri Lanka will go in pace heavy. If it is a dry strip, then it will be spin-heavy.

However everything will depend on the winning of the all important toss. What ever the playing eleven, if skipper Sangakkara has luck with the toss everything could be fine. But losing the toss could put us in a tricky situation. Sub continent pitches are notorious for assisting spin. With this in mind Sri Lanka will go in with spin reducing the pace battery. Sri Lanka will be playing most of their matches on home soil. With this being the case, with the home advantage of preparing the wickets, although there is no written law, it is likely that the curators will concentrate on wickets assisting spin. The home team must take advantage when preparing pitches. We have the world’s best spinner in Muttiah Muralitheran and the other spinners in the squad are equally good and the opposing batsmen will not find it easy coping with them.

With final 15-member squad picking time nearing all eyes will be focused on the four-member selection panel waiting to see the squad that they will toss out to carry Sri Lanka’s challenge in winning the biggest one-day cricket prize the 2011 World Cup. We have made our informed guess and prediction, but like all should, we shall take the selectors’ decision with grace as we have confidence in their collective wisdom. We wish them well.

(Source)

Jayasuriya will be considered as a specialist batsman for WC 2011 - Aravinda

Chairman of National Selectors Aravinda de Silva stated that his committee will weigh more on experience when naming the final squad of 15 players for the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.

The national selectors on Monday named a 30 member preliminary squad in preparation for the World Cup and it will be pruned down to 15 by the first week of January next year in keeping with the ICC regulations.

Strong combination

The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup will be worked off from February 19 to April 2 and will be co-hosted by India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Aravinda de Silva a member of the 1996 World Cup winning team said that all players in the preliminary 30 member squad have justified themselves to be in this position as they look to form a powerful combination of youth and experience.

Specialist batsman

He said that veteran Sanath Jayasuriya will be considered as a specialist batsman and experienced left arm seamer Chaminda Vaas as an opening bowler. However their selection for the final 15 member squad will depend on how well they could balance the team.

De Silva regretted the fact that they missed out a great opportunity of seeing some of the players in action who were earmarked for the probable final squad following the postponement of the five match one day international series against the West Indies.

As a result they were forced to consider the past performances and the international experience of some of the players before naming them in the preliminary 30 member squad.

De Silva stressed the importance of the players having some exposure at international level ahead of the World Cup and said that Sri Lanka Cricket are exploring the possibilities of playing at least a couple of matches against Bangladesh.

Training sessions

He noted that with no competitive cricket at the moment the players have organized a series of training sessions both at day and night at all World Cup venues namely Hambantota, Pallekele and R Premadasa International Stadium.

No passengers

De Silva further noted that there will be no passengers in the final 15 member squad and each player will need to play a specific role given the occasion.

He recalled an example how Upul Chandana even as 12th man played a decisive role on the field during the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal match against England.

Chairman national selectors also believed that the final 15 member squad should include a variety of players who are capable of turning around the game during different match situations.

(Source: Dailynews.lk)

Jayasuriya, Vaas in list of WC 2011 probables

Sri Lanka has picked veterans Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas in a preliminary squad for next year's World Cup.

Sri Lanka Cricket released a list of 30 players on Monday, of which 15 will be selected for the final squad.

If selected, Jayasuriya will be playing in his sixth succesive World Cup. The dashing opener took the world by storm in the 1996 edition, when he along with Romesh Kaluwitharana took the opposition bowlers to the sword during the field restrictions. Jayasuriya was declared the player of the tournament on that occasion.

Out of favour medium pacer Vaas has been a useful contributor for the Lankans over the years and at 36 will be hoping to feature in yet another World Cup.

List of probables:

T M Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Taranga Paranavithana, Lahiru Thirimanna, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardena, Thilan Samaraweera, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Tissara Perera, F. Maharoof, Jeewan Mendis, Muttiah Muralitharan, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Hearth, Malinga Bandara, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dilhara Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Chaminda Vaas, Chamara Wellagedara, Nuwan Pradeep, Thilan Thushara

Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas included in World Cup final thirty

Sidelined veterans Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas have been included in the World Cup final thirty which the Sri Lanka Cricket has to forward to the ICC by the 10th of this month, the Sunday Times learns.

Vaas, the 36-year-old left arm seam bowler who had a brilliant stint with Worcestershire during the English summer this year, was a strong contender for a comeback with the slacking fast-bowling arsenal in the local stores.

Vaas who has 400 international one-day wickets to his credit played his last ODI against India at the R. Premadasa Stadium on August 8, 2008 and has been overlooked since. Vaas was a member of the 1996 World Cup winning Sri Lankan squad.

He played his first ODI also against India in Rajkot way back in February 1994. The other veteran, Sanath Jayasuriya, is a champion of 444 ODIs and has scored 13,428 runs in 432 innings and was named the Most Valuable Player at the 1996 World Cup which Sri Lanka won.

Jayasuriya made his ODI debut against Australia in Melbourne on December 26, 1989 and played his last ODI against India in New Delhi on December 27 2009. A left arm orthodox spinner, Jayasuriya in his 444 appearances bagged 322 wickets with his best being 6/29 against England. In his last stages with the national team he was used more as a stock left arm spinner and a lower middle order batsman.

The Sunday Times exclusively revealed that both Vaas and Jayasuriya were back at training with the Lankan squad in September 2010. From the very inception both cricketers made it very clear of their intentions of being a part of the 2011 World Cup squad.

Meanwhile, the selectors have named a probe-in-the-dark squad of sixteen for the first two one-day Internationals against the West Indies to christen the Sooriyawewa Stadium on Thursday and Saturday. 
Still trying to get their final combinations ready for the World Cup 2011, the selectors have left out their champion match winner Muttiah Muralitharan, thus depriving the legend some much-needed match practice.

The top heavy Lankan batting line up has been cushioned with the inclusion of dependable Thilan Samaraweera, but the unproven talents of Chamara Kapugedera and Chamara Silva have been persisted with while futuristic Dinesh Chandimal has been sidelined again. However the inclusion of Samaraweera should take a lot of pressure off the shoulders of Dilshan, skipper Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena, a batsman who has been going through a lean patch lately.

Once again, the lower middle order has been beefed up by Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera. One also wonders how leg-spinning batsman Jeewan Mendis could fit into the final XI in these two games with the top seven reading Tharanga, Dilshan, Sangakkara, Mahela, Thilan, Angelo and Thisara Perera who has more than proved his worth with some telling contributions in the recent past.
Jeewan also may not be opted only as a bowler as the selectors have put their faith on Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herat and Suraj Randiv.

The three seamers in the side are Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga and Dilhara Fernando. Nevertheless the selectors have left a door open for themselves by naming the squad only for the first two games.

(Source)

Jayasuriya & Namal: Two MPs to bat for ICC Cricket World Cup

MPs, Namal Rajapaksa and Sanath Jayasuriya were present for the opening of the ticket reservations for the ICC Cricket World Cup which was announced at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota yesterday.(Source)

Sanga’s choice of openers upsets Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya questioned the wisdom of Kumar Sangakkara making his choice of batting line-up for the World Cup public, saying as skipper, Sangakkara should be more responsible about the statements he made.

''You can have your opinions as an individual, but when you are in a position of responsibility, you must be careful of what you say in public,” the most capped one-day player in the history of the game told Deccan Herald. Sangakkara’s preferred line-up does not include Jayasuriya, the current captain plumping instead for younger guys like Dinesh Chandimal and Jeevan Mendis who are not in the squad for the tri-series under way. “I am not disappointed, it’s just an individual making a statement,” the 41-year-old Jayasuriya reiterated. “Anybody has the freedom to do so, but we must remember that there is a system in place, there are four selectors whose job it is to pick the team. Yes, the captain must have a say, I agree, but at the end of the day, the players must play the game and the administrators must run it. “There are six months between now and the World Cup, anything can happen in that period. For the captain to come out and make his choices clear and public is not in good taste. What are the selectors there for?” Jayasuriya, an elected member of Parliament, questioned. The explosive left-hander hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since the World T20 in the Caribbean, and his last 50-over game for the country was in India last December. “I am still fit, and I have the same enthusiasm as before,” the former skipper went on. “I have been training with the domestic season in mind. I have come up the hard way, taken several knocks along the way and therefore I value playing for Sri Lanka. I feel I still have what it takes to succeed at the international level. “Now that I have retired from Test cricket, I am managing my cricket better, too,” he observed. “Age is just a number, I don’t think it has affected my fitness in any way because I work really hard to stay fit. And I don’t give up. I know that eventually, it’s performances that will count, and that once the provincial tournament starts, I must grab my chances and make runs. I was happy with the runs I made for Worcestershire this season in England, and I am confident I will deliver in the domestic competition too.” Massive stage Only Javed Miandad has played in six World Cups. Jayasuriya and his Mumbai Indians skipper Sachin Tendulkar have been part of five campaigns, with a sixth beckoning. “The World Cup is a massive stage, and I personally feel the future of 50-over cricket is secure,” Jayasuriya pointed out. “It’s a bit disappointing that the fans aren’t flocking the grounds to watch one-day cricket like they used to. Now, it’s all about T20 cricket – the combination of cricket and entertainment. Plus, you get a result in three hours. The administrators must find ways of bringing the crowds back to 50-over cricket.” One of the pioneers of making the most of the first 15 overs, Jayasuriya agreed that the face of the 50-over game had changed. “There aren’t too many destructive openers. Of course, there is Sehwag who is a unique player. There is no doubt he is the most explosive opener now. But with the introduction of the batting Power Play, there is scope to make quick runs in other positions too.”

Jayasuriya, Vaas to be considered for WC 2011 - Aravinda

Not only Sanath Jayasuriya, even Chaminda Vaas will be considered for the World Cup 2011, said Aravinda De Silva, Chairman of National Selection Committee. He added they are keeping a close eye on them and if the need arises they will definitely be given a chance to play.

Aravinda De Silva made this statement speaking exclusively to Ada Derana yesterday. He also said that this decision would not hinder the opportunities for younger players as they have enough and more time before them.


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Jayasuriya, Vaas can come in any moment - Aravinda de Silva

Speaking exclusive to Gulf News in an interview, Sri Lanka Cricket's Chairman of the selectors Aravinda de Silva has said that Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas may make a comeback to the national squad anytime as long as they keep themselves fit and keep on paying.

When asked on, How tough was it as a selector to drop your team-mate Jayasuriya. Do you think there is still cricket ahead of him?

Aravinda answered : It was a tough decision to take as he had done so much for the country. He was putting a lot of pressure on him and the team to keep him in the system. However, we haven't put him completely out of the combination for the 2011 World Cup. We need to see how the current players perform and position themselves in the team. Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas are two players who can come in any moment and do the job as long as they keep themselves fit and keep on paying competitive cricket.


De Silva admitted leaving out former teammates Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas from the current squad had been hard, but said: "Whatever decision you take, you have to do the right thing. I can't see any problem as long as you do it with a clear conscience. I'm sure they will accept what I say for the simple reason that I played with them and they know me well enough to know I would do them no injustice."

‘Door is not shut on Jayasuriya’ - Aravinda

The last time Australia went home without the World Cup was way back in 1996 and it was the enigmatic legend of Aravinda de Silva that spoilt the party for Mark Taylor and Co. As Sri Lanka commence their journey to regain the title, Aravinda is wearing a crucial hat that of the chairman of the selection committee. The maverick batsman settled for a elucidate chat.

Excerpts:

Q: Asian teams have not been able to recreate the magic after winning the World Cup. How do you see this?

A: In international cricket, it's not only about talent. Commitment and discipline also play a major part deciding success. Talent has also got to be carefully nurtured. Many good players are coming through but it is the attitude towards the game that has to be right.

Q: What is your take on the Aussie dominance coming to an end and their chances in the 2011 World Cup?

A: Recent results suggest that they have slipped a bit. They have also lost a group of good players and that can hit any team hard. Having said that they are still a good team. Other teams especially from the sub-continent have started playing better. As all major teams have been visiting Asia often these days they are used to the slow surfaces and heat and know what to expect. Frequent trips by the sides have also helped them do well here. Australia, South Africa and England all have a good chance of winning the title.

Q: Kumar Sangakkara had recently said the selection committee has to ruthless. As chief selector how close are you to picking the final combination for the World Cup? Is Sanath Jayasuriya still in contention?

A: Yes, we have to be ruthless at times in order to get the best combination. It's our duty to give the players all the confidence before a major tournament. Everyone knows what Sanath is capable of. The door is not shut on him, not on anyone for that matter. There is still time left for the World Cup and performance will be sole criterion for selection.

Q: Looks like T20 is taking over other formats, Does Test cricket and ODIs have a chance to survive?

A: It’s important for all three formats to do well. T20 provides the money and it cannot be overlooked. With proper planning by the administrators all three formats can co-exist. There is scope and space for that to materialise. Players will have to make the required adjustments. And with what we have seen in the last three seasons, the players don’t seem to have a problem.

Aravinda de Silva defends Jayasuriya's place in the team

Aravinda de Silva, Sri Lanka's former captain andnewly-appointed chairman of selectors, has singled out winning the World Cup in 2011 as his "primary responsibility" in his latest role. de Silva, who scored an unbeaten century to take Sri Lanka to their only World Cup win, in 1996 against Australia in Lahore, said the national team had to win some major tournaments in its preparation for the ultimate prize, admitted it needed improvement at the top of the order and defended the 40-year-old Sanath Jayasuriya, who had a forgettable World Twenty20.

There has been plenty of criticism surrounding Jayasuriya's performances in the recent past, with many calling on him to quit. de Silva, however, said Sri Lanka had to consider all options for the World Cup. "We know what Jayasuriya is capable of. We must have a proper replacement for every position. We have nine months to prepare for the World Cup and we have not discarded anyone so far and decided on the positions they should play.

"You have to be fair to Sanath. He's shown what he is capable of and he has performed over the years and done so much for the country. We should respect that. It's fair that we look at every player the same way whether it is the youngest player or the most senior player. Anyone who gets out of hand which will affect the team, that is where when we will step in."

On the field, I’m a cricketer, not a politician - Jayasuriya

Gros Islet (St Lucia): “On the field, I’m a cricketer, not a politician, so there’s no conflict,” is how Sanath Jayasuriya responded to calls from some quarters that he end his career as a sportsman.

The 40-year-old, who started his Sri Lanka innings just weeks after Sachin Tendulkar’s November 15, 1989 beginning, got elected to Parliament last month.

“I’m thankful to the people of Matara... I was busy with cricket, but they stood by me... My mother (Breeda) and brother (Chandana) did all the hard work... They did the campaigning on my behalf,” Jayasuriya told.

Jayasuriya, who won on the ruling United People’s Freedom Alliance ticket, is the second cricketer in Sri Lanka, after the 1996 World Cup-winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga, to enter Parliament.

They haven’t met after the elections, though.

“It feels good to be in Parliament... This, obviously, is a very different pitch... But, then, I’m passionate about everything I do,” Jayasuriya said.

Having quit Test cricket after 110 appearances (6,973 runs, 14x100), Jayasuriya is now focusing on the ODIs (13,428 runs in 444 matches, 28x100) and T20 Internationals.

“I’m looking to play till the 2011 World Cup, let’s see how things go... I don’t take my place for granted and, so, I’ll have to keep performing and stay fit,” Jayasuriya pointed out.

Laughing, Jayasuriya added: “The people, in fact, want me to play till the World Cup... One reason, perhaps, being that Sri Lanka is one of the hosts... It’s going to be a big event for us and, yes, the expectations will also be big.”

Once through with cricket, what exactly will he do?

“Give all my time to the people... They expect me to deliver and I can’t let them down. I think, through my cricket, I’ve given joy to the people... As a Parliamentarian, I have the chance to actually work for them,” Jayasuriya maintained.

Jayasuriya, incidentally, refused to stick his neck out and predict who’d win the ongoing World Twenty20. “In this format, any team can beat the other... It’s hard to even guess,” he signed off.

The veteran should know — his franchise, the Mumbai Indians, topped the league stage of IPL III, but still lost in the final, to the Chennai Super Kings.