From the publishers of THE HINDU Vol. 24 :: No. 40 :: Oct. 06 - 12, 2001	Home Contents
	Aravinda de Silva must be recalled RANJIT FERNANDO WHAT is to happen to that cricketing genius from Sri Lanka, Aravinda de Silva? He has still not retired from cricket and from reports we read he does not feel optimistic that the selectors will pick him again. You do not cast away the best batsman the country has produced in almost two decades just like that. Lack of interest and motivation and a carefree attitude have been spoken of as the key reasons held against him. I do not subscribe to it, but if it is so, what surprises me is that nothing has been done to find out why? This is what management is all about and rectifying it is their task. There is no doubt at all in the minds of everyone that he, even at this stage of his career, could be ranked among the best batsmen in the country and in the world. There is a question mark being placed on his fitness and fielding, but all he needs is a signal from the selectors that he will be considered. Without a contract from the Board one can understand Aravinda's feelings. The selectors should have a chat with him, it will cost them nothing but will spur the master batsman into action. Aravinda is the kind of person who does not turn back when he puts his mind to something. The lack of interest by the selectors in Aravinda is a mystery. There was a policy of youth brought in a couple of years ago, but when things weren't going too well in South Africa the master batsman was recalled midway and his presence appeared to be most welcome. A hundred against the Englishmen in the first Test not so long ago should have been sufficient to cement his place for a while but it has not been so. He has been kept in the wilderness in the recent series against the Indians and there is complete silence from those who matter. The Sri Lankans have in their ranks some brilliant batsmen in skipper Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene. Russel Arnold is going through a lean patch, but I get the feeling that his batting position is being messed around with and if given a longer run, higher in the order, the best from him could be obtained. It took some time for the selectors to realise that Hashan Tillekeratne's presence in the team provides a lot more solidity. He breeds enthusiasm as a close-in catcher and this is contageous. If Muralitharan's full value is to be extracted he must have the confidence that there are sharp catchers like Hashan around the bat. I am sure the hundred he made in the final Test against India will now give him some sort of permanency and Sri Lanka will have far more experience and depth in their batting, which they need. It is hoped that some sense will prevail as far as Aravinda is concerned and the selectors and the cricket administrators will put their pride aside and exchange thoughts with him. If there is a problem I don't see why it cannot be overcome by talking things out. If nothing is done immediately, we will see a great cricketer going into oblivion unsung. Is this what he deserves, and are we Sri Lankans all that ungrateful to a player who has done so much for his country? With the domestic season due to start shortly it would be the right time to mend any bridges and get working on bringing Aravinda back into the scheme of things. The Premier tournament will give him an opportunity to work on his fitness, bringing back the motivation and also showing the selectors that he has not lost enthusiasm for the game. With the West Indians due in the country in November he can prepare himself in right earnest to be considered. I am sure he is not asking for any guarantees or special favours. All what is needed is some mature thinking and action. Barry Richards is due in Colombo at the end of October to work with the Sri Lankan batsmen to start preparing them for some of the overseas assignments in 2002. I am a great believer that his presence and advice will go a long way as there are very few practical coaches like Barry and his analysis of the game is top class. While the idea of preparing the younger players to cope with fast, bouncy tracks is very laudable, I cannot come to terms with leaving your best player on such conditions out in the cold. Contents • Daily Sports • The Hindu • Business Line • Frontline • Home Copyrights © 2001 The Sportstar Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Sportstar.