The First Test was a comprehensive victory for the Sri Lankans. Hearty congratulations to Mahela Jayawardene and his swashbuckling heroes for their brilliant victory. They fully deserved to win because of their ebullient team spirit and remarkable all round performance

Formidable Indians:

The present Indian team is quite formidable. It has world class batsmen capable of tearing apart any attack and bowlers who would subdue any top-notch batsman. No doubt they are gallant opponents. Unfortunately their First Test, completed under four days, was a total disaster. I am sure they will be reckoning the pos and cons of their dismal performance and come up with a few pragmatic strategies to face the Second Test. Their world-renowned spin bowlers allowed the Sri Lankans go scot free and amass an amazing 600 for 6. That was creditable on the part of the Sri Lankans to have performed superbly well against Anil Kumble and Harbajan Singh. The Indian top order batsmen inexplicably collapsed in both innings and that is to be seriously reviewed. Stalwarts like Dravid, Sehwag, Ganguly and Tendulkar are highly acclaimed, respected and seasoned batsmen, veterans of many Test Matches. They are noted for handling spin attack exceptionally well. But on those two horrible days, they were just baffled; they had no answer to our wizards Murali and Mendis who mesmerized them.The Indian tail doggedly wagged for more than an hour during the first innings. Laxman and I. Sharma, with the right frame of mind resisted vehemently with a defiant partnership. That was praiseworthy!

Concentration is the key:

In any type of sport, concentration is the key. Concentration comes through mind-power, a form of meditation which is absolutely essential for any human being. When the mind is alert and agile, the human spirit becomes indomitable to face any challenge. World famous sportsmen etched their names in history, and some continue to do so, because of the cool-headedness and power of concentration. We may cite Bjorn Borg (Tennis), Carl Lewis (Athletics), Michael Jordan (Basketball), Tiger Woods (Golf) as sound examples. Even the Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar was a model of concentration and a paragon of patience. Obviously he was a genius! The renowned boxer Mohd. Ali was able to knock out his opponents easily with his vicious left-hook because of his concentration. Some of his opponents were far superior and heavier than he and Mohd. Ali would just dance around his opponent on the boxing ring, but at un unguarded moment the latter became vulnerable and Mohd. Ali would take advantage of that fraction of a second and in a jiffy his opponent would be reeling in the ring.

During the first innings, some reputed Indian batsmen, who were playing extremely well, lost concentration, and wanted to loft the wily Murali for an almighty six over the mid-wicket, but fell into his trap. The new sensation Mendis, was mystifying and others fell like nine pins. Techniques in batting are very important, but they should be supported by the power of the mind, otherwise mere techniques will be futile and ineffective.

Temperament:

For any sport, the right temperament or the right frame of mind is pivotal.

There is a proverb which goes somewhat like this, "A good night’s rest, is the blotting paper of many a sorrow." A good night’s rest is essential if you were to bat or bowl or field with your mind alert and active. Breaking rest at night may not be conducive if you are playing the following day There is no room for giddy-headedness or lack of seriousness on the part of any player. Speaking of single-mindedness, a verse of a nursery rhyme which I learnt years ago, comes into my mind.

"One thing at a time,

And that done well,

Is the best of all rules,

As many can tell."

Concentration and right frame of mind will help any player immensely.

In the eighties, when England was not making the mark in their Tests, they appointed an un-rated cricketer named Mike Brearley as their captain. He was neither a recognized batsmen nor a bowler, but he was an exceptional cricketer-psychologist. Under his genial guidance and shrewd leadership England made headlines after headlines, winning matches and series..

It would be better for players and athletes to spend some quiet time, preferably in the mornings, (besides their net-practices) on meditation and concentration. Definitely, one’s mind-set is an added impetus.

Magical spinners:

Hail our magical spinners Muttaiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis who did Sri Lanka proud by taking nineteen wickets between them. Murali, of course the world record holder, arguably the best spinner in the world, seems unstoppable. Wine improves with age, they say! Mendis’ performance, eight wickets is his maiden Test, is certainly a feather in his cap!

Astute captaincy:

Hearty congratulations, once again, to our cricket team on the memorable victory. Mahela Jayawardene is an astute captain, winning the confidence and admiration of his team-mates. Unassuming and sobre in his ways, he has a lovable personality needed for a gentleman-cricketer. As an eminent Captain, Mahela Jayawardene, has all the potentials to be an illustrious leader.

Speaking of leadership, the modern existential French Philosopher, Albert Camus said,

"Don’t walk in front of me, I cannot follow.

Don’t walk behind me, I cannot lead,

Just walk beside me, and be my friend.