I remember clinging to my Father’s arm entering into Galle Esplanade to witness the famous ‘Lover’s Encounter’ between Richmond and Mahinda College in 1930’s which has now passed 100 years of play. My cousin the late Rev. Joe Weerasooriya was the Captain of Richmond, who was at the crease and had stroked a ball to high Heaven’s like the many foolish ones witnessed in our Final’s match of 2009. So, when Joe retired crest fallen to the pavilion for 6 runs I started to cry and Father took great pains to console me with chocolates.

My reference to these catches as Foolish strokes by our team may cause added pain of mind for their miserable display and defect.., Allow me to withdraw this word ‘Foolish strokes, since I don’t blame anyone in particular as I am one of the few who is against this 20 over rash game, which does not conform to the established rules and regulations. For instance their metal build-up to face this strike game from the word go is to hit the ball with all their might to reach the highest score rightly and plan for a win is the motto. Nothing else matters; Is this cricket? taste differs. On the other hand how pleasant it is to relax and watch a 50 over or Test game with all its rules followed by the glorious uncertainty of the game.

I agree this rush game is meant for the rush world and the younger generation whose life- style is also surrounded in a similar fashion in any of their undertakings. Even their normal meals are taken in a mighty hurry with 4th rate T.V. tele-dramas in front of them. Further their much needed The balm of hurt minds that nits up the ravel sleeve of care’ get blasted by their late night-life. We of course of the old generation are classed as ‘Kopi Kade’ products by them!

Coming back to cricket, I do hope that this speed game will not creep into the Test and 50 over game as the possibility is there for the technically trained cricketer to get unconsciously drawn into the modern style. So, be aware of the danger blooming the on Horizon.