By M D P DISSANAYAKE

Surangal Lakmal by far the best fast bowler Sri Lanka ‘s squad.  We  did not play the practise match before the first test. According to our Head Coach, Lakmal will play the second test, if he  pass the fitness test.  Sri Lankan Cricket says Lakmal sustained an injury during regular training in SA.

If an international player sent abroad to play test matches sustain an injury during regular training sessions, then there are several questions ought to be answered.   Did he attend the training sessions in Sri Lanka successfully? Was there any motive to send a half-baked player  so that even if he does not play, the costs will be reimbursed by the Insurance.

Kusal Mendis should not have been sent to SA at all. Compared with the number of innings he has played, his performances are below test standards.  Kasun Rajitha, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva are all on the casualties list.

Asantha de Mel has been on the job in the selection committee far too long.  He was not even a front line leading fast bowler for Sri Lanka. Before the test series with England  the Chairman of the Selection Committee should be sent packing for sending a team of wounded lions to South Africa.  Our new Minister of Sports has an overall responsibility and the results shows of his decision making skills  need to be reviewed immediately.