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12 November 2023 03:52 pm - 71 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Former captain Mahela Jayawardene called for patience and realistic expectations with the national cricket team, saying that some people don’t understand modern cricket.
“People jumping, shouting and screaming, has to realize what modern day cricket is, and how we are going to compete going forward.
The plans have been set, but we need to be patient, and work harder in areas we need to improve,” Jayawardane said.
He highlighted the young age profile of a majority of the team that travelled for the World Cup, believing they would only grow into a more formidable outfit.
“It’s a process that we have to trust, and it’s a process that we have to have patience with because this is a skillful group. Most of the guys are in their early 20s or mid 20s, that means they are going to be a force to reckon with going forward. The expectations I understand, cricket fans, Sri Lankan fans they all know that when we go for a World Cup, we are going to do well, we are going to perform. But that expectation has to be realistic, along with the plans,” he added.
He said the team’s think tank knew there would be a lack of experience in the team, but he considered this group of players an investment.
“We knew when we set this team up with the selectors, and the decision was taken, that we were going into this World Cup with less experience. Usually for us to compete at the highest level, you need a group of players with 150-200 plus games. That would have been a different story. But we didn’t have that. So, it is an investment for the future and that we all knew, when we made that call. And we were working towards that,” Jayawardene stated.
Reiterating Jayaywardene’s call for realistic expectations, Head Coach Chris Silverwood said, “We need to remember that we are not the only team going from the World Cup disappointed. There are many teams going home disappointed. Realistically only one team can win (the World Cup), and very much higher ranked teams than us at the moment, will be asking exactly the same questions that we are. The important thing is, what do we learn from this, how do we learn from this, and how to we put that right."
Gen Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:03 PM
Well said MJ. Modern cricket is to play games according to Jay Shah's rules. ICC = Indian Control Cricket , lay the rules and conditions and we follow and play. Bookies govern and control cricket. While people have to watch the pathetic cricket.
JudgeMe Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:26 PM
He doesn't care as he is handsomely paid by SL cricket and IPL. He is useless. Arjuna is not perfect, but he puts country first unlike this guy and Sangakkara who are both talkers, but nothing else. In a way, it is good SL cricket has been suspended as these people don't need to be paid anymore.
Prageeth Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:32 PM
Yes, now we understand 100% Mahela! Thank you for the Enlightenment. lol
Cricket enthusiast Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:33 PM
The problem is players are selected due to influence exerted. Players are all from the western province and from influential families. Wither Sri Lanka.
Dr. Aruna Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:34 PM
I listened to Mahela’s interview throughout. He tried to pretend his action, current failure of Sri Lankan cricket and current administration of SLC. This should be expected as he is a part of the failed system. It is not right to ask the cricket loving nation to wait for another World Cup. He could not accept the facts that team failure at the World Cup is a result of the down fall of SLC.
Trehan Munasinghe Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:52 PM
We understand Bookiepala's Cricket very well. But, it is true what you say, some people don't understand modern Cricket, this includes the current Cricket Team, they don't know how to play 50 over Cricket.
Bandara Sunday, 12 November 2023 04:58 PM
Modern cricket means loosing badly?
MADUKRM22 Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:00 PM
Patience for how long.......mahela, dont talk rubbish !!
Sisira Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:01 PM
So, nothing to do with Indians and Indian betting syndicates ? Are you fooling us or fooling yourself.
Hassanda Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:03 PM
Mr Mahela We understand and everybody in SL Understand modern day cricket Dont blame the public - 1st you should Accept the bad performance whereas You had been paid 20k USD for a month and also give our players energy boost tablet - instead our players wasting time in pubs
warren Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:04 PM
Head Coach Chris Silverwood said, “We need to remember that we are not the only team going from the World Cup disappointed. There are many teams going home disappointed...” May I correct that Sri Lankans are the most disappointed of all nations that competed in the World Cup 2023? Of course, you did not return to Sri Lanka disappointed because whether you win or lose, your accounts get credited with thumping salaries and other payments! You are, in fact, the most triumphant set of guys to return home!!!
Going back disgraced Monday, 13 November 2023 11:48 AM
Going back disappointed is a whole lot different from going back disgraced.
Jayantha Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:06 PM
Arrogant selfish guy nothing else. He never experimented anything at all. Could have tried something different in last two matches and still did not do anything. Team getting out twice for around fifty when opposition team nicely scores means a failure of both players and coaches. Mahela and Sanga should be kept away from players. Both are business minded guys nothing else. Just going behind money.
Sensible comment Monday, 13 November 2023 11:50 AM
Once again a sensible comment. Need walkers not talkers.
Jumba Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:06 PM
Yes any Tom dick and Mickey can do post mortem with salary salary of usd 20000 and usd 40000 sir. This word think tank makes me freak!!!! Loosing was never a reason to blame all of you. But the lack of application. Anyways we write comments to a deaf and dumb country so it’s fine.
S Gunasekera Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:08 PM
The problem is not making mistakes, its learning from their mistakes. its not only the skill level its the mindset and the work ethic cultivated in players. When cricket admin is in such a disarray how could you expect anything different from the team unless there are committed cricketers who are proud to wear the badge in their chest. Has any of the Afghan players have at least played 100 intl's ? Modern or vintage cricket you should not complicate it too much. Afghanistan is a good example for the team to learn. The issue is whether the team has that level of humility to learn from such a team. What afghanistan does well is approach the game in blocks of 10 overs which has proven to be a successful formula they don't over complicate things. Hope we learn and learn fast if not sad to say SL may not even qualify for the next world cup.
Vadivelu Yogaratnam Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:12 PM
Big mouth genius speaking ,if he understands Modern cricket why don't teach the Lankan team, only by talking rubbish when loosing not going to help anyone for you to become popular.
Mohamed Burhan Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:15 PM
Mr. Mahela u are 200% correct.we all know what a great captain you are equal to Ricky Ponting and may the best captain Sri Lanka produced.We lost the World cup matches because our captains are not captains.He should bat 2 down and try to make runs when openers are out cheaply.we saw with Shanaka this never happened! He was always batting lower down. Kusal never played down order when he new top orders not performing! No consultation with 4 snr. Players in the field at a tricky situation.captain very rarely thought of a left hand right hand combination when top order batting was falling.Also our last batting 3 bowlers cannot bat at all in this modern cricket!!!!! Also our captain should voluntarily open bowling and atleast bowl 7 to 8 overs continuously when our team is going a bad patch.just following routine of bowling.Otherwise we will not win any Cups in the future and will be like a cork in the water.
Partially agree. Monday, 13 November 2023 11:43 AM
Totally agree except the last part. In the WC when Mendis was continously failing, at least to remove the stigma and gain some confidence he should have opened the batting. He was have had more power play overs to face. Similarly Perera who was struggling opening would have benefitted. You are correct. In limited overs cricket the bowlers should be able to bat. Should be able to take at least singles and rotate the strike so that the entire 50 overs could be used. Every run matters. Similarly every batsman should be able to bowl decently in case of a crisis.
Don Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:41 PM
You guys got it wrong. A World Cup is the pinnacle tournament. It is not one for experimenting or grooming youngsters or testing. That is why many teams had around 35 years experienced guys with right amount of young players in their teams. The winning of a World Cup gives the pride and momentum to young players to improve during 4 years. Then again same approach is taken. Many experienced players plus a bit of young have to be used. Otherwise you will lose everything ICC tournament. That will demoralise young players. Following above, SL cricket can be revived. You guys have wires crossed. I have first hand seen how Australians develop their cricket. You guys were lucky. Many years ago, SL had good school cricket system and including Mahela came to national system straight away. Now even club system is inferior. The youth come from this system is miles low quality than youth from other countries. Accept the differences and plan accordingly. You guys are outdated.
Bushel Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:45 PM
Point is not that we lost. Humiliating losses and the way they play like school children is the matter that fans cannot tolerate. Before you many of us knew we can't do this. But at least it should be first class cricket that should have been played if not world class. if it is an investment plan you should have dropped Dasun much ealier insted of insulting him like this. We cant agree with what you say
DOT Sunday, 12 November 2023 05:57 PM
We ordinary citizens understands it's loosing every match for us!! That's the lesson you guys have given us. We don't want this type of modern cricket!
Lalith Sunday, 12 November 2023 06:05 PM
Learn from Afghanistan....
Nihal Amarasekera Sunday, 12 November 2023 06:35 PM
Thank you. We'll wait for 2048
M Perera Sunday, 12 November 2023 06:39 PM
I disagree. Since 2014 there has not been a right balance. Back then they told us its a building and transition stage. So you are saying SL needs another 10 years to show results? Look at the way Afgan played, look at the young talent NZ produce! The problem here is we lack the talent. Sack the current lot and bring in young blood. SL needs a team for the short and long format. Theekshana is not a 50 over bowler. It baffels me SL cannot find a decent bowler.
Joshua Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:02 PM
Yeah modern cricket of getting all out in the 50s
Inshi Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:02 PM
Talent in abundance without a doubt . Hope they have learned the art of coping with pressure and gained immense experience from this world cup. The fans are not disappointed about losing, but the manner in which they lost.
Johan Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:07 PM
Modern day cricekt means loosing badly?.. If you understood well, why did not you include a team mixture with some experience guys like Angelo in the begining..
Either this or that Monday, 13 November 2023 11:21 AM
That's the interesting part. This time the excuse is too many young and inexperienced players. Later it will be too many old and outdated players. If its a mix then .. let's wait for the excuse.
Explain Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:08 PM
First explain the consequtive 50 scores against India/any team. No other team had ever suffered like this in the past. When SL was winning the excuses being given now didn't apply??????
RS Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:09 PM
What you failed to ask was why did they win the toss n bat second at Wenkadate, Dint MJ know beforehand the type of wickets based on his IPL. Since Last world cup they hv been trying to build a team which has been more than 4 yrs, now MJ talks abt the next WC.
Mahila Monday, 13 November 2023 04:13 AM
That is the process followed by SLC and acolytes!!! Ashamed of that, and funny MJ, whom had Great expectations, since Late 1990's seeing him captaining his College and Performance at SSC grounds, to have come up with this explanation!!! Absolutely Not Acceptable!!
ACA Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:26 PM
I believe in this stance. Corruption in cricket is another area to address. We need to appoint balance team comprising of professional sports personnel, finance management, legal and business negotiators. Not political leeches.
Citizen k Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:37 PM
Yes ,but not one team went out for 52and 54 runs against India twice running.This is reality .Chris
Incorrect what you say Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:46 PM
'' we are not the only team going from the World Cup disappointed' but the stark truth is we are the only (full member) team failed to qualify for the CT. Selection of Dasun as captain was a main fault as well as including Dimuth
Henry Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:52 PM
I’ve given up watching cricket a long time ago because it’s all staged and fixed for political reasons. Keep in mind when the people are happy, (after winning a match) politicians get better voter turnouts.
Heavy Rollers and Hard Pitches Sunday, 12 November 2023 07:56 PM
Mahela a continually improving process should have taken care of having a mix of exprienced cricketers and youngsters in a team. if nit let's say in the next 6 years even if this young team performs, once again they will all retire at the same time and another new bunch will be losing matches isn't it? I'm trying to fathom why a process fails to achieve objectives.
Sivalingam Sunday, 12 November 2023 08:13 PM
Ministry of Crap.
Ranil Monday, 13 November 2023 06:16 AM
@Siva It's not a "Ministry" but a cesspit of CRAP! So we pay MJ's oo protect cesspit dwellers with a $20,000 monthly tax free salary benefits perks perdiems, etc. In return, MJ comes here to puke $hit mixed with dew to inform that this is "modern cricket when its all a RACKET".
Shalani Tharaka Sunday, 12 November 2023 08:14 PM
Uncle Jayantha Dharmadasa would disagree.
Liberal One Sunday, 12 November 2023 08:21 PM
Ordinary Sri Lankans know everything from economics to Cricket. Sick of listening to people who have never held a bat talking about how to play cricket
Tissa Fernando Sunday, 12 November 2023 08:28 PM
Value of USD 20, 000 a month tax free salary. Without any modernisation, Afghanistan played much better. Kindly focus on your Ministry of Crabs or get an appointment with another Cricket Board. Don't loose your credibility while defending the rougues.
Ah Sunday, 12 November 2023 08:45 PM
You concentrate on MI at IPL. There is huge money Lets start from scratch. Dont know when modern cricket came to play. We know our cricket putha; leave us alone without making us more angry
Gaston Sunday, 12 November 2023 10:28 PM
Mahela J, it's time to acknowledge the failure. Defending a team with such a dismal performance is unnecessary. No one blames you for not bringing the World Cup home, but the team's disappointing performance, particularly in candid solo playing, brought disgrace to the nation. If the younger players lack the appropriate manners, English language, and body language for certain occasions, it would be wise not to send them to address the press. It's embarrassing to the core. The captain's repetitive claim that 'The boys played very well' is far from reality. Speaking of a bright future with the talented youngsters spotted, as if he has already rendered yeoman service to the country with his playing and captaincy, is annoying and questionable.
rani Sunday, 12 November 2023 11:30 PM
Modern cricket ? RIGHT ! Your bank balance grows in modern times Mahela. Pissek. He is paid regardless. He doesnt gives a rats arse about cricket. Sanga does. Not him.
Fred Monday, 13 November 2023 02:12 AM
Mahela to succeed at international level in any sport in any era must have passion, focus, dedication discipline,And when you are representing your country Patriotism.Now it is all about MONEY and India is calling the shots.And cricket is an easy game to manipulate. Sides bat at different times one bad decision and you can be out catches can be dropped and so on.Above all youneed a TEAM spirit to succeed, officials, coaches, players all have to come together and act as one, very difficult in Sri Lankas context, so much interference so many factions
Natalie Nanayaka Monday, 13 November 2023 02:36 AM
Corruption, corruption, corruption. Mahela will soon become a politician.
Bala Sunderam Monday, 13 November 2023 03:02 AM
Best is to follow how Afghanistan with all their political turmoil managed to be so successful. Even SL cricket appointed Captain Dasun Chanaka due to intervention from politicians . First clean up SL cricket.
Kps Monday, 13 November 2023 03:04 AM
You owe Srilankan Billion of apologies for the disappointments you donated. Your Rs.65 lacks pay checks must totally returned back to the young Cricket players.
Kps Monday, 13 November 2023 03:04 AM
You owe Srilankan Billion of apologies for the disappointments you donated. Your Rs.65 lacks pay checks must totally returned back to the young Cricket players.
Saman w Monday, 13 November 2023 04:27 AM
Utter nonsense by Mahela. These guys are loosing on consistent basis and don't learn from mistakes.
A Cricket Lover Monday, 13 November 2023 04:53 AM
Chairman of the Selection Committee Mr. Pramodya Wickemasinghe said on his arrival at the airport that he would reveal in a couple of days the conspiracy behind the poor performance of the SL Team in the World Cup. It is now more than 4 days, still, Pramodya has not revealed the conspiracy. Come on Pramodya?
Earth days Monday, 13 November 2023 11:07 AM
LOL. He is from a different planet where a day is = several earth days. Please be patient.
Michael Obeyesekere Monday, 13 November 2023 05:00 AM
Jaywardena talking absolute rubbish, when the team came to Australia, he was more worried about the opening of his Chillie Crab restaurant in Melbourne and took the entire team as a opening gimmick??? He brought Silverwood?? Jaywardena must go he's hopeless.
Francis Monday, 13 November 2023 06:39 AM
Mabel’s please go now without hurting us further by talking modern cricket. You have collected enough for generations by doing nothing. I was listening to the question media posed to the players. Do you think they will admit in public why they lost, ASK THEM IN CONFIDENCE THEY WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING INCLUDING WHAT YOU CONTRIBUTED TO THE COLLAPSE.
Honest man Monday, 13 November 2023 06:44 AM
Mabel’s you collected approximately 160 or 170 average Sri lankan’s salary a month at the rate of Rs 40-45 thousand when people are struggling with only one meal without any sense of guilt. Think back and recall what you contributed. For what you got. Shame on you
Aviator Monday, 13 November 2023 06:50 AM
This goes on to prove how easy it is for a respected gentleman to turn into a no good clown.
Rajiv De Silva Monday, 13 November 2023 07:07 AM
Very True, Mahela. That is why Sri Lanka is 9th postion out of 10 in the world cup. We all appreciate your professional contribuition the team. Please stay with them until the next world cup like others at SLC.
Christo255 Monday, 13 November 2023 07:45 AM
A reply to Mahela. We don't mind losing, but play the game and lose proudly and not disgracefully.
It's about Monday, 13 November 2023 11:02 AM
Correct. It's not the first time SL has lost matches. It may not even the first time they were near the bottom of the table. It's not even about folding for 50 in Asia Cup (didn't they do a match analysis to improve the weaknesses and repeat the errors). Even India has folded for 54 once. It's about manner in which SL continue to succumb. It's about consecutively falling for 50, 55 and 171 (almost under 100).
Appuhamy Monday, 13 November 2023 07:46 AM
So Afghanistan understands modern cricket and they have pitches that you are talking about!
YLG Monday, 13 November 2023 07:54 AM
Please tell mahela that long term plans don't work now days. Either you are in form or not. By the time these players who are in their 20's will be in their 30's by the time this plan works. Then we'll have to come back to square one. Please while present players are playing you should have another 20 good players who are ready to come in at a moment's notice. The players should constantly be changed when their out of form or need a break. Thereby giving youngsters an opportunity. That's modern thinking mate.
Brian Dekker Monday, 13 November 2023 09:12 AM
Oh what a load of poppycock is M talking about, "new plans in place"! I suppose in another 4 years he will be repeating the same BS...
Ama Monday, 13 November 2023 09:22 AM
Simple logic. INDIA's requirement to win on their soil. But they cannot do much dirty work to other countries. But can easily destroy SRI LANKA CRICKET because our Evonomy is week and our people are CORRUPT. So they exploit our present economic condition.
Money Monday, 13 November 2023 09:47 AM
What you said is correct. MODERN cricket is MONEY ONLY. FILL YOUR POCKET with MONEY WHEREEVER YOU GO and bring only cow Dung to the country.
cricket fan Monday, 13 November 2023 09:47 AM
There are many teams that are disapponited that they couldn't win the world cup is no excuse but for Sri Lanka that achieved recognition in1983 before countries like Afghanistan and Bangladesh to end up at the bottom of the table is a total diasaster. Unlike Sri Lanka where cricket is played 365 days of the year Netherlands is only an Associate member and European Football is their number one sport.
Ron Monday, 13 November 2023 10:01 AM
We need we'll experience criket administration with coaching deciplin training and all nessorory guidelines to archive the best for players to represent professional game just take a look at players that archive the top six spot in world cup all players are extremely fit mentally physically and extremely active hopefully we can do better learning from others we have a good team but need killer instinct to produce and consistency
cineha Monday, 13 November 2023 01:42 PM
We thought you understood the modern day cricket. thats why you were appointed consultant coach with a handsome emoluments. After defeat you grumble about the fitness of players. So what did you do about it. Let the public know that rather than talking nonsense.
N.Canags Monday, 13 November 2023 03:16 PM
Nothing is right or can be made right in SL now. Let's all pray and go to sleep, it's a difficult task even to god.
Adam Monday, 13 November 2023 10:04 PM
Winning and loosing is part of every sports. Sri Lanka has lost matches in the past. The Coach and Consultant should understand that the people are angry for loosing to India in the most disgraceful manner scoring just 55. The team brought shame to the whole country.
Dinesh Tuesday, 21 November 2023 11:39 PM
MJ what happened to the money you collected for the Cancer hospital
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