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Wettimuny, Kalu join Tharanga-Atapattu World Cup debate
Saturday, 21 April 2007 - 7:26 AM SL Time
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The wretched form of Sri Lanka`s left-handed opener Upul Tharanga has opened the possibility of former captain Marvan Atapattu making a comeback in the semi-final clash with New Zealand.
Tharanga managed just 17 runs in his last three outings and his longest innings lasted no more than 22 balls -- a huge cause for concern.
Atapattu is a member of Sri Lanka`s 15-member squad, but has not played in this World Cup.
`That`s something we`ll have to think about. He`s hitting the ball pretty well but he`s just not spending time out there in the middle,` Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene told journalists in Grenada.
Sidath Wettimuny, a highly acclaimed opening batsman in the 1980s, said showing Tharanga the door to make way for Atapattu was `a very tough call to make.`
It is the people on tour who are aware if Marvan has maintained the required levels of fitness and if he is batting well in the nets,` Wettimuny told AFP in Colombo.
The former captain has not figured in any of the games so far and seems set to repeat the 1996 record of not playing a single game despite being a member of the champion squad.
Wettimuny, also a former chief selector, added: `We all would like to see him (Atapattu) back in the side, but to replace Upul Tharanga despite his poor run is not the easiest of decisions to be made.`
But former opener Romesh Kaluwitharana disagreed. `Marvan is a classy player who is experienced enough to handle any pressure. He should definitely be given the chance in the semi-final. Upul has done well but is not doing so right now,` Kaluwitharana said.
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zaharan
Joined: Jun 2006
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21 Apr 2007 04:27:15 GMT Report for Abuse
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Considering the vast experience, the bouncing wicket in Jamaica and the first outing in the tournament, all are in favour of Marvan.
In Tharanga's case if he fails again, the damage will be heavy and the selectors will know that they all will be subjected to a load of criticism.
So including Marvan against the Kiwis is the best solution.
Edited By - zaharan - 21 Apr 2007 04:30:49 GMT |
mareesa03
Joined: Oct 2006
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21 Apr 2007 04:47:25 GMT Report for Abuse
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It is a very good decision to replace Tharaga with Attapattu,even though he is slow in hitting..
Because the openers must be good in defending the ball until a stage, the followers can go on scoring..
So, it is a cleaver decision, but it seems late...
He(Attapattu) need more home work to do in Jamaica.. |
illiyas83
Joined: Apr 2007
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21 Apr 2007 06:57:22 GMT Report for Abuse
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Yea this is good think but it supposed to do earlier but this is not too late now go head send Athpathu to Jamaika to pick our World Cup.I think he is fit to Play. Also he might have so many experience in the world cup.
Ibrahim M Illiyas
Colombo 2
Sri Lanka. |
Bonggo
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21 Apr 2007 12:23:41 GMT Report for Abuse
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Folks,
If Atapattu was given the chance to bat from the Australian form onwards it would have been better.
Perhaps Sri Lanka was shielding him from Australians as well. |
dumindak
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22 Apr 2007 06:51:57 GMT Report for Abuse
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Tharanga is going through a hell of time right now. Opening the inning will be a another nightmere for him. He has the skill but not the mental strength to overcome his previous failures.
Players like Sanath, Murali can swiftly recover poor form and come back to normal. But players like mahela, tharanga take long time to recover. |
Damed
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22 Apr 2007 09:33:32 GMT Report for Abuse
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It's too early to match Tharanga to Marvan.
Sidath very stylish stroke maker similar to Marvan at the wicket should have made this comment early.
Holding one side,making sanath to score is srilankan style,
now it's pressure to sanath also to the No.3,4 Batsman.
Pressing tharanga will ruin his Carrier sometimes or Srilanka will loose both Marvan and Tharanga. |
lankan22
Joined: Apr 2007
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22 Apr 2007 13:31:46 GMT Report for Abuse
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Hey Guys,
I feel that Tharanga should be given the chance as it will be very difficult for any player to come in to the side straight in the semi's with out any match practices & do wonders.
Sidath & Kalu should have come out with these criticism's much earlier as we had couple of games after reserving over semi final berth & we should have tryied Marvan in those two games.
lets not try any thing new at this stage as it might hamper the total paln. |
illiyas83
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22 Apr 2007 13:39:23 GMT Report for Abuse
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I think the Lanka22 got good idea nobody canplay without practice but this is world cup semi not like country match
let us we give chance to Tharanga to keep going on.... |
Rays123
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22 Apr 2007 16:16:08 GMT Report for Abuse
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| No time to do experiments. What ever the results Tharanga has to open. |
zaharan
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23 Apr 2007 06:00:58 GMT Report for Abuse
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Folks,
It's very clear that Tharanga is out of form and under tremendous pressure to perform. But in Marvan's case he's keen to prove and experienced enough to handle pressure at any stage.
If Tharanga fails against the Kiwis and SL win, will they still continue with him in the Final, I don't think, never. Then if Marvan fails, they can revert back to Tharanga in the Finals.
Risk factor is very high in playing Tharanga. The wicket in Jamaica, SL going in with a left-right combination are all in favour of Marvan.
They have a very good option here so why not experiment!
Edited By - zaharan - 23 Apr 2007 06:02:27 GMT |
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