There is no doubt that Ranatunga is the best captain in the world at present. These sentiments have been expressed by former captains Ian Chappell of Australia and Tony Greig of England and several connoisseurs of the game.
Why the present selectors took so long to give Ranatunga the nod cannot be understood. Anyway now that Ranatunga has been told, that should give him all encouragement to put Sri Lanka on course to being the best Test playing nation by the year 2000.
With his being back in the runs, it should give him more confidence in his career.
Good, that Russell Arnold gets another chance to consolidate himself. He is an opener with a sound technique and temperament. What he needs is continuity and it is hoped that he will cut out the risks and grab this opportunity to make good.
According to former Sri Lanka captain who was the best wicketkeeper in Asia, Dr. H. I. K. Fernando, Arnold has the ideal stance for an opener. He is so nicely balanced that he can come forward and meet the ball or rock back.
Marvan Atapattu must certainly be an unsettled batsman. Normally accustomed to the one drop position, he was forced to strike against the new ball when Sanath Jayasuriya was ill. He slipped into the slot well and a big score from him is due.
Anyway a one drop batsman must be ready to face the new ball. If a wicket falls early he must be in. So Atapattu must take this as a learning experience. After all experience is the best teacher.
It is also encouraging to note the inclusion of Dulip Liyanage in the Sri Lanka 14-member squad for the Second Test. Chances are that he may not play. But this youngster deserved a recall after his deeds in the domestic season.
Liyanage a promising all-rounder had a bright future ahead of him until he was stricken by injury. Now that he has fought this malady, one hopes that this recall will be the launching pad to a chequered career.
Pity that champion off-spinner Muttiah Muralitheran will not be playing. As my former colleague Geoff Wijesinghe, of 'Nooks and Corners' fame said there is no reason why this youngster cannot be classed as the best of his kind in the world.
His absence is going to prove a headache to skipper Ranatunga. Ruwan Kalpage will definitely get his break again and one hopes he will come good. His fielding is from out of this world and Ranatunga will be hoping he will bowl as penetratingly as Muralitheran.
It is also certain that left-arm leg-spinner Jayantha Silva will play. He is a good spinner of the ball and will add a lot of variety to the attack.