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The two English County cricket teams Kent and Leicestershire which made tours of our island early this year were full of praise for the standard of cricket in the island.

The Kent Young Cricketers under-17 tour during the early part of January was described by tour manager Maurice Thunder as a ``tremendous success both from a cricketing point of view, and also the education and culture of your beautiful country. The lads enjoyed every moment they spend in the island.''

He further said if I had to make a choice of which country I would want to visit again it would certainly be Sri Lanka. The standard of cricket is very high, your batsmen show a lot of class. We came out to play cricket and I was surprised at what we saw. The future holds good for Sri Lanka cricket. I wish we had lads who could perform like yours, it would do English cricket a world of good.

The Kent Veterans tour of Sri Lanka which concluded in February had many former Kent County and League players within their ranks. Manager/captain Len Morris writing to me from his county home in Kent after the tour stated: 'A cricket tour that was enjoyed by all, we played against some of your best former players and we did enjoy the games. The hospitality shown by your people was wonderful, what, a beautiful country you live in.

'The beauty of Sri Lanka must be seen to be believed. Colombo is a much safer city to move about than London is. We saw lads playing cricket on any bare space of land available in your country, something we don't see in England. No wonder your country are world champs.'

Sri Lanka cricket has a great future before them, already talks are going around the league clubs here, to have a few of your lads playing in our domestic club competition. We are all looking forward to watch the island team in action during the World Cup. They are such great entertainers.

Jackie Berkenshaw former Leicesterhsire, England and Test umpire who was here as Manager of his County that played against Board sides. I met him after so many years since his first visit with Joe Listers side in the late 1960's early 70's. I asked him what he thought of Muthiah Muralitharan's bowling he said - ``Muralitharan is a class act there's no question about that. He has got a unrealistic bowling action which does not contribute to a throw.''

Speaking further he said Sri Lanka is getting a lot of popularity in England and people will be looking forward to their performances in the World Cup. Talking about Leicestershire tour of Sri Lanka, he said he was particularly impressed with the batting of T. M. Dilshan. ``He is a good player. I am sure he would make your national team soon. I wish your country every success for the future and I know many English teams would want to visit Sri Lanka and enjoy a cricket tour of your beautiful country.