After their excellent showing in the two tests against the West Indies, it would have done their cricket a world of good had they been given continuity in the established game.
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE
But then today in the cauldron of the highly competitive and commercialised world of cricket, players must be ready for any eventuality and situation. The 'cowboy' game brings in bags of money and in this game winning is the bottom line.
Coach Bruce Yardley would have got the cricketers to change their technique and temperament from what is required in Tests to what is needed in the limited-overs game and the cricketers who have the natural ability and flair for the 'cowboy' game will no doubt excel before their home supporters.
Before going onto comment on the tourney and Sri Lanka's chances, we would like to congratulate the selectors for giving the young and promising wicket keeper batsman Lanka Silva a break.
UNENVIABLE JOB
Selectors no doubt have an unenviable job to perform. Those who have been elected to these prestigious posts are those who have played the game and who are very knowledgeable.
They have to perform a responsible job, first and foremost seeing that they give continuity to the progress and development of the game. And this they can achieve by infusing new blood. SILVA IN
By slotting in Lanka Silva, they have served notice on Romesh Kaluwitharne that they are not too happy with his form, not only behind the stumps, but with his batting as well.
Silva's inclusion should stimulate Kaluwitharne to perform.
The selectors may have come in for some stick for not including Ravindra Pushpakumara in the Asia Cup squad after his superb showing in the Caribbean. Pushpakumara it must be understood is Test material. To play him in the limited overs game would be to stomp on his Test career. He will certainly come back when Sri Lanka play India in the Two Tests after the Asia Cup.
LANKANS ON A ROLL
With the Sri Lankans on a roll in the one-day game everyone will want them to add to their laurels and pocket the Asia Cup. Playing before their home supporters the Lankans will have to perform well. The crowds will be behind them and cheer and encourage them. Crowd support is very important and this is something the Lankans will not lack with Percy, Lionel and Tissa to spur the crowd into cheering for the Lankans.
Of particular interest to cricket fans here will be the inclusion of Shahid Afridi in the Pakistan line up. Afridi who scored the fastest one-day century in limited over cricket against Sri Lanka in Kenya will be keenly and closely watched. He is the ideal cricketer for the one-day bash and it will be interesting to see how he goes.
FAVOURITES
As for the tournament the Lankans playing at home and before their supporters are favourites to win. But then India and Pakistan are not going to be easy meat and they will be determined to be concerned at the finish.
While Indian cricket has slipped in recent times, Pakistan should pose the real danger to Sri Lanka. With Ameer Sohail back to partner the dashing Saeed Anwar the Pakistanis will be given their usual blistering start. They must be a confident side after their recent success in the Sivaram Cup in India.
FOUR OF THE BEST
On show in this tournament will also be four of the best batsmen in world cricket today - Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Saeed Anwar and Sachin Tendulkar.
The tournament promises to be chockful of interest and we wish the Sri Lankan cricketers led by Arjuna Ranatunga all the best!