Former SL Cricketer Aravinda de Silva reflects on decline in Cricket identity
August 18, Colombo (LNW): Former Sri Lanka captain Aravinda de Silva reminisced about an era when Sri Lankan cricket had a distinct identity, inspiring teams globally.
He lamented the absence of that character in the current squad, noting the gap left by retired legends like Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Kumar Sangakkara.
While Sri Lanka recently secured a historic ODI series win against India, de Silva highlighted the challenges they face ahead of their upcoming Test series against England.
De Silva emphasised how Sri Lanka’s aggressive and unique style once set them apart.
He drew comparisons with England’s current attacking approach in Test cricket, suggesting it as a model Sri Lankan players should explore.
“England’s positive mindset in both batting and bowling is delivering results, even in challenging conditions,” he observed.
Mickey Arthur, former head coach of Sri Lanka, offered insights into the team’s struggles post their golden era.
He argued that Sri Lanka’s past successes have become a burden, making it difficult to rebuild after the exit of iconic players.
Arthur stressed the need for stability in coaching, selection, and the overall environment, which he believes is essential to restoring consistency and nurturing unique talents without compromising on technical foundations.
Arthur concluded by expressing his confidence in the enduring passion for Test cricket in Sri Lanka.
He underlined the importance of balancing technique with individual flair, which has traditionally defined Sri Lankan cricketers.
According to Arthur, despite the country’s successes in limited-overs formats, Test cricket remains deeply valued, and young cricketers still aspire to excel in the longest format.
