Whatever has happened to Sri Lanka. Not long ago, it was considered tough to win in Sri Lanka. They always had a set formula for teams that are not from the sub-continent. Prepare slow turning wickets that teams like Australia, England, South Africa & New Zealand will struggle to overcome and good enough spinners on the Sri Lankan side to exploit such surfaces. It proved to be a successful formula for a very longtime. Except for the absolutely best Australian side and the top South African side, other teams really struggled.
Infact, better players of spin like Pakistan and Bangladesh too struggled to win in Sri Lanka. It was India alone who were able to conquer Sri Lanka. However, things seems to have taken a completely downward path. Sri Lankan cricket is really struggling. They have completely lost their way over the last few years. It is fair to say that cricket in Sri Lanka is in crisis and they need all the help that can be given for them to raise upto a certain competitive level.
Sri Lanka never really had a proper first-class structure. The likes of Aravinda de Silva, Jayasurya and the greatest Sri Lankan batsmen ever, Kumar Sangakkara, they all came from schools cricket. It was down to the brilliance of Sangakkara & Aravinda that they were able to achieve what they achieved. Until a certain, it really seemed to work. Sri Lanka developed a clutch of players who eventhough they didn’t make the team into world beaters but were able to make the team competitive in certain conditions and tough at home. Muralitharan is another player who comes to mind not for any format programme by the Sri Lankan board but through his own brilliance.
Steve Waugh’s last frontier
Steve Waugh termed India as the last frontier. However, at the point, they weren’t that dominating in Sri Lanka either. Such was their dominance at home. When players like Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Jayasurya & Muralitharan were playing, it is only a matter of time before the opposition is vanquished in Sri Lanka.
When did the slide set in?
It is not really a surprise that except for one series win in South Africa and one against Pakistan, Sri Lanka hasn’t been that competitive outside of their own country. They have lost games and series consistently, throughout. The real rot seems to have set from 2015 onwards. Sri Lanka started to lose series consistently even in Sri Lanka. It coincided with the retirement of the aforementioned players. However, that should not be a reason for Sri Lanka to lose consistently at home. Against England, they have now lost 5 consecutive tests. This is a side which has always found it difficult to overcome the sub-continent. Infact, England’s wins were absolutely complete. In the sense, they were never made to struggle for a win.
The last time, when Sri Lanka played against India in their country, they lost all the 9 games including tests, ODIs and T20s. Pakistan recently won a series and even Bangladesh managed to win a test in Sri Lanka. Their only salvage was a 3-0 sweep of an Australian team who had toured probably with their worst side ever. To make matters worse, their limited overs form too slipped. They weren’t able to reach the eliminators of ODI or T20 World Cups or Champions Trophy.
What Sri Lanka must do?
First, Sri Lanka must develop a proper first class structure. It will help in creating good quality test batsmen and bowlers. It will also ensure a strong supply of players to the national team. Second, a strong limited overs competition will also ensure that they are supplied with players for their limited overs squad. Third, the existing players must ensure that they give more than their best. The current players are the ambassadors for the game. They have a responsibility towards the game and to their countrymen and women in that they are seen to be trying more than their best. This will improve support for the team which will eventually bring in much needed sponsors for the team. Fourth, the board will do well to pay the dues to the players.
Importance of Sri Lankan cricket
It is very important that a strong Sri Lankan team emerges from the rubble. With much less competitive teams around the world, a Sri Lankan team who are atleast strong in their own country will add much needed interest in the game. New Zealand with must less population than Sri Lanka’s are the current top ranked team in the world. Sri Lanka can take inspiration from them.