All Sri Lankans would no doubt have stood aghast on the 24th when witnessing the sloven and sluggish performance of our cricketers at the confrontation with the Kenyans. The lackadaisical approach of the Sri Lankan team was quite evident throughout the game and the end result is history now. How true is the saying that "Sanath fails, everything else fails for Sri Lankans". The one time World Champions played like novices in chasing a moderate total of 210 runs.

It was disastrous the way the middle order batsmen negotiated the bowling attack of the Kenyans who should earn all credit for their professionalism by which they outwitted the Sri Lankans in all aspects of the game. We cannot win all matches, but it is the callousness of the team which should be noted. I am sure the Kenyan public must be a rather disappointed lot although their team won the game, as they would have expected a sizzling display by the Sri Lankans.

Certain players have failed disastrously starting from the V. B. series but are continuing to enjoy their positions in the team with all perks, whereas vibrant players have been axed due to their poor performance in one or two matches.

The sensible public of this country is fully aware of bureaucratic bungling which has become the order of the day in Sri Lanka. As suggested by a high official in the Cricket Board, players who are maintaining a downward trend should not be paid a fixed monthly emolument but should be considered on a merit basis in order to stop this rot which we are witnessing for the past several months. It is time for the Minister to intervene personally when team selections for global tournaments of this magnitude are carried out in future.

Sail ahead Sanath, bearing what happened on the 24th to history, as the cricket loving public of Sri Lanka is with you to wish all success in the impending encounters.
J. A. Wijenayake
Kalubowila