MJ set to get extension despite World Cup catastrophe  

by Rex Clementine  

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene is set to get an extension as Consultant Coach of the national cricket team despite Sri Lanka’s horrendous World Cup campaign last month. The national cricket team finished ninth in the sport’s showpiece event suffering several embarrassing defeats and into the bargain failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy. It will be the first time Sri Lanka will not feature in an ICC event, a massive blow to the reputation of a proud cricketing nation.

There is intense criticism on the way MJ has run the national cricket team set up after being given total control from choosing all individuals attached to the team from selection panel to the support staff. A question you will always ask is whether some of these coaching appointments were made on merit or on the recommendations of Perera Gardens. The Fielding Coach for example was a disaster as showcased by the 16 dropped catches during the World Cup that cost Sri Lanka dearly.

Although SLC Executive Committee has received a lot of flak for the team’s dismal performances recently, it must be said that the Ex Co has not interfered with the affairs of the team and had given MJ a free hand. His areas of influence aren’t limited just to the national team but goes beyond to domestic cricket and support staff for ‘A’ team, Development Squad and Under-19 team.

First thing MJ should have done on his return home is to step down. Since he didn’t, the board should have sacked him, but they are entertaining him claiming that his coaching methods are on par with modern day cricket.

MJ on the other hand has blamed poor fitness standards of players but has conveniently forgotten that it was under his watch the selectors launched a daunting fitness regime but gave it up halfway through the process once their favourites started failing fitness tests. The only reason he could be hanging on is that his reputation is on the line having been given the cold shoulder from Mumbai Indians and Hampshire in recent years.

However, there will be overhaul changes with the other coaching staff except Head Coach Chris Silverwood. The former Yorkshire fast bowler is expected to see through his contract, but the Batting, Bowling, Fielding, and Spin Bowling Coaches will not be around by the time Sri Lanka’s next international series, which is against Zimbabwe in January.

Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya, meanwhile, is expected to take over as  Consultant of the High-Performance Center.

Former white ball captain Upul Tharanga is set to be announced as Chairman of Selectors by next week along with a fresh selection panel as SLC ends an extended honeymoon period with Pramodya Wickremesinghe, a period in which the national cricket team hit new lows.

Pramodya’s policies of sidelining half a dozen seniors from white ball cricket, selective treatment for players who fail fitness tests and choice of captains to lead national teams brought Sri Lankan cricket to its knees.