Critics imagine that the cricketers must win every game. Had these critics been out in the middle they would not have rushed to print rubbish when the Lankans lose.
Critics forget that in South Africa if not for some putrid umpiring, we would have won the First Test. The Second Test too was ours, until some poor batting gave the game to the homesters.
Then instead of appreciating and applauding Lanka's superb comeback where they won two games after losing the first three one-dayers, critics took them apart for losing the final game on a wicket that was certainly not fit for a one-day game. The ICC will do well to hold an inquiry on this wicket too, where the organisers were forced to play a mock double wicket tourney to appease the large crowd.
Coming back to the Test in Galle, it was amazing to watch Ranatunga's Rambos turn things around. The players approached this Test in a better frame of mind and looked the aggressors from the first ball.
The batsmen used their feet and this made the Kiwi spinners who looked larger than life in the First Test seem mere trundlers. The best way to counter spin is to use your feet go out and meet the ball and play strokes. This, all the batsmen did well and what a difference it made.
The Kiwis however stayed put to our spinners and paid the price.
After the Kiwis who decided to bat first were dismissed for 193 with rain curtailing most of the play in the first two days, the Lankans had to get on with the game score quick runs and put the Kiwis under pressure. And how sensibly and superbly they did that.
After Jayasuriya and Atapattu saw them off the blocks, Mahela Jayawardena and skipper Ranatunga put them on the victory trail with some exciting and controlled batting that took the fight off the Kiwis.
What a revelation Jayawardena was. He was not the push ball batsman that we saw in the second innings of the First Test. Obviously the youngster was under instructions to do just that. But in this Test he was allowed to give rein to natural stroke play and what exquisite and delightful strokes he displayed on a wicket that was not friendly to the batsmen.
We mentioned in these columns that Jayawardena is the most exciting prospect to blossom out after a long time. He confirmed what we said and he must be allowed to play his natural game. He has a sound temperament, an admirable technique and has a good selection of shots. He uses his wrists a lot and has the ability to play all round the wicket. He was fortunate to have the father figure of Ranatunga when his innings was gathering momentum. The skipper was seen talking and telling the youngster what to do and what not to and how to build his innings. Jayawardena profited from this and his career-best 167 bears ample testimony for his gallantry.
Left arm spinner Niroshan Bandarathilake playing in only his Second Test showed a lot of maturity and bowled tantalisingly and successfully in both innings. The Kiwis batsmen seem unable to come to terms with him and credit for his success must go to Ranatunga for using him judiciously and always keeping him in the picture. He must use the crease more and vary his deliveries.
For a long time Sri Lanka hasn't produced a bowler who can take wickets consistently and wickets in both innings. Bandarathilake has this rare trait in him and his coaches must develop him that way.
We will not be playing fair by Aravinda de Silva if we fail to comment on his LBW decision. All spectators were agreed that even if there had been three more wickets, there was no way he could have been LBW. It was a very poor decision.
The cricket loving public was delighted to see and hear the intelligent and educative comments of Sri Lanka's cricketing friend and promoter, the former South African cricketer and England Captain Tony Greig.
Greig has always proved a wonderful ambassador where our cricket is concerned. We need more personalities like Greig to support us. Now that he is here the Cricket Board will do well to ask Greig to talk cricketing situations to our players. Greig will only be too glad to oblige.