The doyen of English language
The doyen of English language commentary in SL names a place called “Laughborough” according to the ST article. Where, pray, is that? It must be a funny place between Risibletown and Humorousville.

If Thisara is to play in the
If Thisara is to play in the CWC 2015, he must get his mental make-up right and become more consistent. Kula for all his limitations is an absolute team player with no discernible ego problems. Unfortunate that both cannot play together and maintain the balance in the side. I agree that Perera has huge potential and that he could be a match winner for SL on his day. But to state that he is the no. 1 all rounder in the country? Not yet, but he should aim for it Also he is still pretty young and should have 5 to 6 years left playing at the highest level. Hope the selectors talk to him along with Sanga, Mahela and Mathews and get the best out of him. He should be given a few matches against England to prove his quality and his consistency. As a SL fan, I wish him well. The last sentence in the article is not worthy of a seasoned cricket writer like RC.

What more does SL need from
What more does SL need from Whatmore? If he does a pro bono job as an honorary coach, all of SL will be glad to have him. After all, giving back to the land of your birth is the ultimate, innit? If, however,someone tries to opportunistically ride on their peripheral role in the 1996 miracle, merely by referencing that glorious event on the eve of 2015 CWC, there will be no cheap $$$ for him/her. In his/her absence, SL can source and channel better experts. Until then “Captain Marvel” Marvy Atapattu can manage v. well (apologies to Bryan Robson). SL just needs someone good to mentor/coach the quicks – Wasim Akram, McGrath, Gillespie, Makhaya, Holding, Mike Selvey, Shaun Pollock, Ian Bishop or the Archbishop of Canterbury, anyone at all…..

Congrats to Dlshan’s barber.
Congrats to Dlshan’s barber. He now looks human again. Also, well done to the SL team. I wish it had been a competitive match and, hence, more enjoyable, but, nevertheless, it was a somewhat satisfactory outcome. Now SL must get ready for a 7-0 thrashing of the boys from Blighty.

Ajmal never did nor does not
Ajmal never did nor does not chuck in Perth. He may have been adjudged to chuck in Cardiff (on video evidence). Who knows about Brisbane? He may or may not chuck there. The only objective answer is for sensors to be placed on spinners’ arms during matches. The technology exists so why not use it? Its a critical match, so why not test the systems out? If he goes beyond 15 degrees, ban him. If not, go back and rework the rules so that some spinners remain more equal than others.

Arjuna (despite his current
Arjuna (despite his current erratic politics) was an exemplary leader who subdued some pretty big egos and built a winning team. He was the man that Kipling and other colonial poets wrote about – never once thinking it might be a native son of the conquered soil. He taught “the man” a lesson and Mathews may (insh’Allah) follow in his footsteps. Angelo is still young and we could forgive him an abysmal failure this WC until 2018/9 when he will be in his early thirties and at the top of his game as a leader. That said, as a fan, I hope he, and SL, go well in 2015 and beyond. We do not expect small miracles or wonders as yet, but just 11 blokes playing their hearts out for their country and country-folk. “That’ll do” as the farmer said in ‘Babe’.

This is utter and
This is utter and inflammatory nonsense. The Pakistanis are free to practice their religion and profess their faith anywhere in SL without interference or constraint. This is malicious and vile propaganda. If some nutters want to interfere, the authorities can take care of them. Am not a Muslim but firmly believe that all religions have a place in our society. Buddhism is the state religion but all other faiths can flourish under that blessed umbrella, innit? At least that’s what DB Wije said.

Pace bowling is becoming a
Pace bowling is becoming a real worry if SL’s target is the WC 2015. Malinga cannot get it above 140 any more. Its fine bowling at 130 to 135 as long as you have an “effort ball” that is 140+ kph to surprise and hurry the batter. Even the diplomatic, ever-complimentary and supportive Chisty Mujahid said that Mali has put on weight. This can only exacerbate his knee problems and is sure to adversely impact his bowling. Kula is a mystery in that he seems to have lost his (minimal)out-swing and his yorker. He can bowl an in-dipper and a straight ball at 125 to 130 kph tops. This is not going to worry any top batter anywhere in the world. No variation + medium pace = carnage. Angie is pedestrian at best maybe due to his fitness issues. Thisara needs a lot of improvement and could bowl at 140+kph 3 to 4 years ago. What happened? Vaasy, though medium paced, had all the tricks and was consistently (90%) accurate. None of the present lot are in that class. SL needs a good pace bowling coach. Gibson (WI) is free. McGrath (AUS) also talks sense.