Ranjan Mellawa’s Pursuit of Cricket Luv’ly Cricket

Elmo Jayawardena, with the title Winds Behind The Willows – The Full Monty to Cricket

One has to know something about cricket to enjoy this magnificent book. Suited me ideally as I do not know much about cricket matters but like almost all Sri Lankans I too am connected umbilically to international cricket and especially when the home country is at the crease. Let me try and express my views on author Ranjan Mellawa writing a book. I can categorically state that if not the bull’s eye, he certainly has hit pretty close to it as a new author in his maiden venture on cricket journalism.

The man has managed to vagabond his way to be present at six World Cup finals. That alone gives him credentials to be somewhat an expert on the international scene from a spectator’s point of view. Ranjan has been an ardent cricket fan. He’s played too, starting with a plastic bat as a kid to rustic cricket in neighborhood tennis-ball matches. From there he graduated to club level domestic league. Hence, his story begins at grass-root level and then blossoms and spreads wild and wide taking him to the world of international cricket as a die-hard knowledgeable fan.

How Hathuru changed the Bangladeshi Fortunes

Mohammad Isam, in ESPNcricinfo.com, 3 August 2015, where the title is  “Biggest thing for me is the change in players’ mindset – Hathurusingha”

With ODI series wins against Pakistan, India and South Africa in 2015, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha looks at the changes that are helping the side move forward. Following his appointment in May 2014, Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha had a crucial role overseeing the side’s World Cup campaign and three successful home series thereafter. On the final day of the second Test against South Africa, which was abandoned due to a wet outfield, Hathurusingha spoke to ESPNcricinfo about the side’s results in the last seven months, the change in the team’s mindset, how he spotted Soumya Sarkar and his future plans for the team.

The last few months have been great for you. How do you feel having coached this side since last year? It gives me great satisfaction at the way the boys responded to the challenges that we had before with us, and then changed the culture we had before, believing in themselves mainly. I was very satisfied as coach.

Talking Cricket with Michael de Zoysa, II: Managing Team Camaraderie & Familial Companionship

Michael Roberts, courtesy of islandcricket.lk …. SEE  http://www.islandcricket.lk/columns/michael_roberts/430700215/talking-cricket-with-michael-de-zoysa-managing-familial-companions

The previous administrations of SL cricket revealed considerable acumen in arranging a tour of New Zealand prior to the World Cup 2015. This meant that most of the Sri Lankan players were acclimatized to the conditions governing the Antipodes. There was a down side to this however. Coming on top of arduous ODI series in India and Sri Lanka, the physical demands on the regular players were considerable – so that one can inquire whether a few of the injuries suffered in the Antipodes were a product of overstrain (a thought that is difficult to answer).

Players, coaches and supporting staff cannot think, talk and sleep cricket all the time. They cannot be expected to live in each other’s pocket 24/7 … or even 15/7. Leisure and relaxation tailored to each man’s suite of desires are essential. Familial and female companionship are requisites for those with partners and/or children.

 Kumar & Yehali Sangakkara and their twins

 Tillekreratne Dilshan & family

Talking Cricket with Michael de Zoysa, I: Managerial Tasks on Tour

Michael Roberts, courtesy of island.ckt … http://www.islandcricket.lk/columns/michael_roberts/430430213/talking-cricket-with-michael-de-zoysa-managers-tasks-on-tour

When composing my essay on Russell Arnold in April last I rang Michael de Zoysa in Lanka in order to get some insights. In passing he indicated that he had just submitted his Manager’s Report on the Tour of NZ and Australia. When I met him for an extended chat in Colombo in late May he indicated that the new Interim Board had not sought him out to discuss this assessment or talk cricket.[1] Neither, it seems, have our ‘erstwhile’ reporters.[2]

Michael de Zoysa is a straight talker and is prepared to level criticism at one’s face. He does not wish his report to be buried. As it happens I know him well. So I can affirm that, apart from considerable executive experience in the private sector, he brings to the cricketing table something I totally lack: the ability to read and decipher turf wickets.** Succeeding the late Ranil Abeynaike he has overseen the management of the SSC grounds and its precious wickets for some time.

Kumar Dharmasena’s Unique Cricketing Record

Kumar Dharmasena was a member of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup winning squad  … and may even have a wicket as trophy  …. and Yes he served as Umpire in the Finals of the 3015 World Cup at the MCG on 29th March 2015

Four Momentous Steps for Future in Sri Lanka Cricket

ONE: New SLC Board:  Report courtesy of Wisden India, 3 March 2015 …. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/cricketnext/sidath-wettimuny-to-head-sri-lanka-cricket-interim-committee/537284-78.html

Sidath Wettimuny, the former Sri Lankan opener, has been appointed head of a nine-member interim committee to carry out functions of Sri Lanka Cricket. The committee, established by Navin Dissanayake, Sri Lanka’s sports minister, will be effective from Wednesday (April 1) and function until an election is held or until further notice. Prakash Schaffter was appointed secretary of the interim committee while Lucille Wijewardena was made treasurer. Kushil Gunasekara and Kapila Wijewardena were named vice-presidents. Nuzki Mohamed, Prasanna Jayawardena, Jayananda Warnaweera and Duminda Hulangamuwa are the other members.  Minister Navin Dissanayake

“Thank You, Brendon … How to Play Cricket Fair –As Father to Son

 

Jonny Gilling

“I Would have Failed as a Father if my Sons Grew up to be like
Australian Cricketers David Warner, Mitchell Johnson, James Faulkner and Brad Haddin,”

 Grant Elliott cops a mouthful from Brad Haddin, James Faulkner and substitute Pat Cummins

To Brendon McCullum, the Black Caps and their coaching staff, I want
to say thank you.

My wife and I moved from New Zealand to Africa just under three years
ago to be the directors of an orphanage. While it was never our plan
(my idea was to devote several years to something good and then come
home and get on with my own life plan), because of the need where we
are, we ended up taking a baby into our home.