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SL switch captains to avoid ban

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2 October 2012 09:55 am - 20     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Hosts Sri Lanka have used a bagful of tricks to outwit rivals on their way to the World Twenty20 semi-finals -- even changing captains for a match to further their cause

Eyebrows were raised when Kumar Sangakkara, and not regular captain Mahela Jayawardene, walked out to toss in Monday's last Super Eights match against England in Pallekele.

Both Jayawardene and designated vice-captain Angelo Mathews were part of the playing eleven, but the team sheet had senior pro Sangakkara as skipper in an extraordinary turn of events.

Jayawardene explained later the change was made to prevent him and Mathews from missing out on the semi-finals since both of them were already serving a one-match notice for slow over-rates.

"The intention was not wrong," Jayawardene said after the 19-run win over England that knocked the defending champions out of the tournament and lifted the hosts and the West Indies into the semi-finals from group one.

"I had a warning for an over-rate issue, and if it happened again I could have missed the next match. It's a tough system and it's tough to bowl 20 overs in one hour and 20 minutes in a tournament like this.

"We try our best, but the penalties are harsh. We don't want to miss the big games, so we did it with the right intentions.

"Angelo Mathews was on the same offence, so if he got nailed he would have missed the game as well. We had to find someone who didn't have a rap sheet and Kumar fitted the bill."

Jayawardene revealed team manager Charith Senanayake had verified the rules and consulted the International Cricket Council's code of conduct before making the change.

"I am sure they will change the rules after this, but hopefully not in this tournament," he said. (AFP)

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  Comments - 20

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  • Ami Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:56 AM

    Yeah... Since you both have set up a Ministry on your own :-)

    Dee Jay Wednesday, 03 October 2012 07:16 AM

    genius... Mahela is a GENIUS... :O

    kingasanga Wednesday, 03 October 2012 04:02 AM

    Sri Lankans songs, ICC will dance. Well Come to SRI LANKA!

    Gamini Herath Wednesday, 03 October 2012 01:19 AM

    You can bend but should not break

    peeda mossa Tuesday, 02 October 2012 03:36 PM

    Brilliant move, and the way you guys played even better.

    Lal Tuesday, 02 October 2012 02:10 PM

    It is rather a 'out of the box’ tactic! Well done.

    Amila.G Tuesday, 02 October 2012 11:54 AM

    Sanga, Your body Language says it all on the field.

    mohamed asfar Tuesday, 02 October 2012 11:12 AM

    vow...............good move.

    Cobra Tuesday, 02 October 2012 11:01 AM

    Mahela and Sanga haven't been captains for nothing-they have brains and use them well. Well done, guys and good luck.

    Bandara Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:02 AM

    A smart move. Finding ethical alternatives within legal boundaries should be acceptable.

    Minister Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:51 AM

    We are not interested in all these. All what we want to see is that Sri Lanka grabs the T20 World Cup.

    sumi Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:46 AM

    Well no spirit of the game award next time.. But better to have the WC than other trophies...

    Lobo Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:45 AM

    Proves we not only have the talent but the brains too. Well done Charith Senanayake.

    Upali Wijewardene Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:41 AM

    Why not take over the country - Kumar-Mahela combine

    Ranjith Silva Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:36 AM

    Smart people does Smart moves. How Sweet!

    Fair N Square Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:25 AM

    the old saying goes.... YOU cut a diamond only with a diamond..
    England taught the world to play cricket.. now other teams are showing em how to play the game on its merits

    Smart thinking by the people involved....

    gune Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:17 AM

    well planed .they all are capable for the job.
    good luck.

    Little Johnny Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:09 AM

    Break it or bend it....

    Appuwa Tuesday, 02 October 2012 10:04 AM

    Good move.


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