SAME FOR BOTH TEAMS
Well, while admitting that it did not do the game of cricket any good, it must be understood that the wicket was the same for both teams. Had Tendulkar lost the toss, the roles would certainly have been reversed.
Now a days we find the Indian skipper crying for every little thing. He was critical of the wicket and said it was 'unfit for Tests'. We would like to ask Tendulkar what would have happened had he lost the toss? The Indian captain who is still a bit immature must be told that what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
It is good for him to remember how a certain Indian curator was written to asking him to prepare a track. And if we are right, the curator took upbrage and refused to comply.
MINUS MARKS
Tendulkar must certainly feeling bad, the way the Lankans kept setting up records against his team. These will all be minus marks for him when the selectors meet to decide his future as captain for the next series.
However everyone will do well not to take the curators at the stadium to task. They were only carrying out orders. At least in the future we hope that those who oversee the wicket making will do so, so that not only the batsmen but that the bowlers too will be in the picture.
OVER THE MOON
The Sri Lankan cricketers must certainly be having that over the moon feeling after their performance. While it was unfortunate that Jayasuriya could not equal or go beyond Lara's record, the mammoth partnership for any wicket in Tests and the gigantic 952 for six, which went over the England mark of 903 for 7, are efforts that will be savoured and will not be equalled or broken for who knows when.
On the initiative of President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga the cricketers will be given 20 perches of land each. The President who enjoys watching sport and appreciating and applauding good deeds, was at the scene and it was certainly great encouragement to all sportsmen and women.
HOLLOW CRITICS
As usual there were the hollow critics who belittled the awarding of national titles to the cricketers when they won the World Cup. The cricketers have kept on bringing honour and glory to the game, country and every citizen and they deserve every award.
The wicket at the SSC where the Second Test begins today will give the batsman and bowler an even chance. Here winning of the toss will play and important part.
As for the Lankans they are now with their tails up after their efforts in the First Test and they have it in them to remain that way when the final ball is bowled.
IMPECCABLE
During Jayasuriya's endurance what was amazing was that he showed that he could accustom himself to any style of cricket. His concentration was impeccable and he chose the correct ball to score of. He certainly was an example.
While Ranatunga continued his good form with the bat, it was also pleasing to note the grand return to form of Aravinda de Silva.