Is victory still sweet when it comes this easy?
In all honesty the Lakqshya Test and ODI series came and went with little or no interest, if not for the Murali and Sanath heroics I would have paid little or no interest to this series. I did however watch the first day’s play between the two nations in keen earnest since Bangladesh put forth a brilliant performance at the World Cup. The 1st day of the 1st test turned out to be absolute carnage and a total disappointment if you were a Bangladeshi fan. Two questions immediately came to mind, does the current series of losses highlight the importance of a skilled and highly experienced coach such as Whatmore? Does playing weaker teams with this much regularity; have an adverse effect on a professional and talented outfit like Sri Lanka ahead of two important upcoming tours (ENG/AUS)?
Watching the Bangladeshi’s play it was evident they were lacking the level cool head an experienced campaigner would bring to the table. In Sri Lanka’s early days the likes of De Silva, Gurusingha, Mahanama, Tillekeratne and Ranatunga all played vital roles to avoid such embarrassment. Experience aside patience is a virtue they say. The day the Bangladeshi’s learn the value of patience is the day their batting will click, with defendable totals their bowling will click as a result of this dominoe effect more and more losses can be converted to face saving draws. Patience is something a batting coach or mentor cannot pass on, teach or train. It is something that requires determination, the determination and the drive to do well for your country, your motherland. Every time you hear any of the Sri lankan players being interviewed “i want to do well for my country” is something you almost always hear and they mean it. Such determination to succeed is remarkable signs of a truly professional outfit. Clearly evident for all to witness if you look at Australia, the number 1 cricket team.
It appears to me that Dav Whatmore played a very crucial role behind the scenes. He orchestrated and instructed; the players responded. He commanded that respect from the Bangladeshis.
For Sri Lanka another clean sweep, heaps of wickets, heaps of runs. Is victory still sweet when it comes this easy? I think not. In fact i think it does more harm than good. Such tours put player’s into complacent mind frames and sets false assurances in their minds. They “drop” their game play subconsciously and no longer continue to play their “A Game”. Playing weaker opposition can do that. This is the last thing the Lions need ahead of their tour to Australia. It’s better to win and loose tight games that are fiercely competitive than just rack up meaningless victories against team like Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka were minnows in world cricket not too long ago. We suffered at the hands of more established test nations during our initial stages as well but we gave one hell of a fight, that fighting spirit and positive brand of cricket is what brought us here. Bangladesh just need to find their way of playing the game and stick to it. Cricketers sometimes need to be reminded that they are paid employees and need to do their jobs.