Dickwella counterattack helps Sri Lanka wrestle back initiative

Niroshan Dickwella with his audacious stroke play helped Sri Lanka to reach 469 for six at stumps on day two of the second Test against Bangladesh at Pallekele yesterday. The wicketkeeper batsman brought up his half-century in 48 balls and was unbeaten on 64.

Rex Clementine at Pallekele

There are a few things that will never change; Ranil giving up the UNP leadership; Vatican electing a black Pope; US speaking so much on gender equality but not voting a woman as President. In cricket too some things never change. Niroshan Dickwella and his sweep shot for example. The first ball he faced yesterday from a spinner, Dickwella swept Mehidy Hasan to the square-leg boundary. When Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque placed a fielder at square leg, Dickwella played the paddle sweep, sending the ball finer to the vacant fine-leg boundary.

Dickwella is one of the cheekiest players around and fans love to see him bat. Mickey Arthur, however, must be very nervous when he is in the middle.

Sweep wasn’t Dickwella’s bread and butter. He played some forceful drives against spin and the ramp shot to good effect against pace. While he was doing all that Sri Lanka recovered from 382 for six to 469 for six as he added 87 runs with Ramesh Mendis. The unfinished seventh wicket partnership came in double quick time as it took only 117 balls.

Dickwella reached his 18th half-century in just 48 balls and he was unbeaten on 64 when play was called off early due to bad light.

Bangladesh started off the day so well. The morning session saw Sri Lanka managing only 43 runs in 26 overs while losing three wickets. Taskin Ahmed was on the money generating pace and accounting for three leading batsmen. His figures should have looked much better than three for 119. Najmul Shanto put down two chances – Mendis yesterday and Karunaratne on day one, both at slip.

Dickwella’s brilliance has put Sri Lanka in a solid position. He should now help himself as well. Having been dismissed on 90s twice this year, here’s a fine opportunity for him to score his maiden hundred. Whether he would make it count remains to be seen.

The seamers benefited from the cloud cover in the morning moving the ball making things difficult for the Sri Lankans. There was more assistance for spinners as well than in the first Test that produced a tame draw.

Sri Lanka will be hoping that the weather stays good for them to have enough time to push for a win. If the conditions remain overcast, ideally, they should declare overnight and let Suranga Lakmal have a crack. Dimuth Karunaratne is a traditional captain and he is unlikely to do so. He will bat on until the team crosses the 550 mark or until they are bowled out.

Dickwella one day when he succeeds Karunaratne might think different. To get there, he’s got to get his act together, off the field. Sri Lankan cricket will be in good hands with a bold captain; Arjuna Ranatunga for example.