While batting at number five or Six, Asela Gunaratne assures millions of Sri Lanka fans, things won’t go drastically wrong, even there was an collapse in middle order. When he bowls his gentle off breaks, he assures Sri Lanka fans with each ball, that he can take a wicket or two, can break a partnership!
But unfortunately for Sri Lanka, those magical moments, that Gunaratne has constantly provided in his short career, are not mesmerizing Indians, as he broke his hand while fielding, even before visitors could finish their first innings in Galle test. He sidelined at least for eight weeks, and with that, it seems Sri Lanka hopes against India, also sidelined!
Had Gunaratne been there, things could have been much better for Sri Lanka. As Kusal Perera is also out of the team with hamstring injury, Gunaratne was only other player, who could have changed the game, within one session in test matches, and within few overs in shorter formats.
His extraordinary counter attacking innings in t20 series in Australia earlier this year, and his grinding knocks under pressure against Zimbabwe in the home series suggest Gunaratne is the player for all situations.
Sadly, this ongoing India tour of Sri Lanka couldn’t witness those heroics of Gunaratne!
