Nic Pothas expresses confidence as SL Head Coach: More new blood – Enter all-rounder Wanindu Has...

Yesterday’s press confab fronted by Zimbabwe’s arrival that held much importance to Sri Lanka with Nic Pothas replacing the departed Graham Ford as Head Coach at the head table at the Move N Pick Hotel, did find the Sri Lankan camp in strong binding of oneness. This was best exemplified by Sri Lanka Cricket’s President, Thilanga Sumathipala who aired the fullest confidence in Pothas to handle the high profile job up to the India tour to Sri Lanka. And, there was the British born Pothas, elevated from Fielding Coach, reassuring in no uncertain terms that nothing was amiss at all within, and that he was already fully focused on the job; that his immediate task was approaching player by player in a necessary assessment. Pothas made no bones about it that he was fully focused on it replying a media man who asked him how he would tackle a scenario in disarray with Ford’s exit. “Not at all, everything is fine within,” he reiterated.

“Graham Ford was a superb coach and we are grateful to him for his services. At the same time, we have the fullest confidence in Nick Pothas to tackle the job during the Zimbabwe and India tours here,” the SLC President voiced addressing the media.

Sumathipala did stress that Pothas in fact, was in contention for the fulltime job with a few other contenders including Sri Lankans under consideration. He was quick to extend a warm hand of welcome to the Zimbabwe cricket team. Addressing the Head Coach Heath Streak and Manager Stanley Chioza, the SLC President reassured Zimbabwe that Sri Lanka would remain committed to backing Zimbabwe cricket in every possible way in honouring Zimbabwe’s strong solidarity in backing Sri Lanka’s 1995-96 world cup hosting rights during the ethnic war by playing in Sri Lanka. “We can never forget that show of strength by Zimbabwe when Sri Lanka’s hosting rights of the 1995-96 world cup was threatened by some countries backing out. We will always support Zimbabwe cricket,” he said.

That it was a rehashed 13-man Sri Lanka squad with several players at the recent ICC Champions Trophy axed, to which Sumathipala announced SLC sought to add two more players, did also throw a new air. Out of the last line up were former vice captain and specialist batsman Dinesh Chandimal, batsman Kusal Janith Perera, fast bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Thisara Perera. Chandimal’s exclusion did evoke questions from the media fielded to Cricket Manager, Asanka Gurusinha who was quick to point out that this squad was for the first two ODIs, and that Chandimal remained a player in strong contention. “Of course, we have newcomer Wanindu Hasaranga considering his all-round depth underlined as one of the best fielders. His batting performances in domestic cricket were noteworthy, and he also bowls leg spin,” Gurusinha said. Recalled are spinner Akila Dhananjaya and fast bowlers Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Madushanka. Dhananjaya’s recall from several years in the oblivion after a successful 4-wicket solitary ODI stint is significant.

The question of Mathews playing in the IPL and the controversial issue of Lasith Malinga facing a disciplinary inquiry was also brought up by media men. While Mathews contended that his playing in the recent IPL had in no way affected his performance for his country, and that in fact, he had joined the Sri Lanka team forgoing several IPL matches, the SLC President chipped in to stress that Sri Lankan players playing overseas county cricket and in the IPL was something SLC encouraged as it was a key experience deriving factor.

On the Malinga issue, the SLC President noted that players were within their rights to speak on matters strictly cricket, and not brood controversy. Malinga was slapped a 6 months suspended sentence and 50 per cent fine by a disciplinary committee with the right to represent Sri Lanka against Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe Head Coach, Heath Streak, who was one of his country’s prime fast bowlers during his prime, said that the skipper Graeme Cremer was unable to be present being indisposed along with a few other players. He added that Zimbabwe was in a transition phase of its cricket. Interestingly, Zimbabwe’s coaches include South African expertise in the form of former pinch hitter of repute Lance Klusener and fast bowler Mikhaya Ntini.

ODI SQUADS:

SRI LANKA (for 1st & 2nd): Angelo Mathews (captain), Upul Tharanga (vice-captain), Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dhananjaya, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Madushanka.

ZIMBABWE: Graeme Cremer (captain), Ryan Burl, Sikandar Raza, Tendai Chatara, Chamu Chibhabha, Craig Ervine, Hamilton Masakadza, Solomon Mire, Peter Moor, Christopher Mpofu, Tarisai Musakanda, Richard Ngarava, Donald Tiripano, Malcolm Waller, Sean Williams.

By Srian Obeyesekere

-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-