Missed Opportunities for Lanka

Following their 2-0 defeat by Pakistan, Sri Lanka picked themselves up for the three-Test series against South Africa to register a convincing innings and 15 runs win in the first test played at Galle-their first ever win over the Protreas in six tests.

Sri Lanka had a golden opportunity of recording their first series win over South Africa when they were set 177 for victory in the second test at Kandy. But a splendid South African fight back aided by poor batting under pressure, saw Sri Lanka succumb to a seven-run defeat.

Till that moment, the South Africans were virtually outplayed by the Lankans and were on the verge of conceding the series. The victory however, rejuvenated them to save the series and when the third and final test at the SSC ended in a draw, South Africa was the most relieved side, while Sri Lanka was left to contemplate missed opportunities.

Credit must be given to the South Africans as they improved with every game and by the time they came to the final test they had more or less come to terms with the oppressive heat and turning pitches, which are so alien to their style of cricket.

Thus it was not surprising that adjudicator John Reid, gave the man of the series award to Lance Klusener, although his heart would have yearned for off spinner Muthiah Muralitharan.

Klusener, the hero of the 1999 World Cup, emerged as his country's best batsman, not only to adapt to the conditions but also to find a way to counter the spin of Muralitharan, who proved to be a thorn in their side.

Klusener had knocks of 117 not out and 95 not out in the Kandy and SSC tests, giving South Africa the much needed boost to their batting which was suspect against spin in the absence of disgraced captain Hansie Cronje, probably their best player of the turning ball. Klusener's batting average of 68.50 was far superior to his colleagues, the next best being 39 by Jonty Rhodes.

Mualitharan revelled in conditions that suited his style of bowling, to finish the series with a rich haul of 26 wickets (avg.18.46) equalling his own Sri Lanka record for a series established only four months before in Pakistan. He began the series with a bag of 13 wickets at Galle, and despite the opposition working out a method to counter his spin by taking off stump guard, he still managed to double the figure in the next two tests.

The series haul brought Muralitharan's personal tally to a staggering 291 wickets from 57 tests and he looks well on course to become the first Sri Lankan to take 300 Test wickets when he tours South Africa in December this year for three tests.

Mahela Jayawardene shed of the responsibilities of Vice Captain, played freely to score two superb hundreds. The first at Galle, (167) enabled Sri Lanka to beat South Africa for the first time, and his second (101 n.o.) at the SSC, ensured his side drew the final test and shared the series.

Jayawardene ended with his highest batting average in a series-80.25. Not far behind was skipper Sanath Jayasuriya who continued his good form from the Pakistan series to post a average of 55.60 for 278 runs which included a knock of 148 at Galle.

The series was the swansong for Sri Lanka's most experienced cricketer Arjuna Ranatunga. The former captain ended his international career by averaging nearly 50 in his final test series. Ranatunga's most memorable knock did not come in the final test, but in the one prior to that at Kandy where he made a scintillating 88 displaying all his shots, but failed to bring his side victory when he was dismissed in the final over before tea.

Sri Lanka's 'find' of the series was 22 year old batsman/wicket keeper Kumar Sangakkara. He proved beyond doubt that he has the talent and determination to proceed further in the international sphere.