The surprise omission of dynamic left hander Kusal Perera from the test squad for Zimbabwe tour is making headlines, not only in Sri Lanka But in other cricket playing nations as well. Yesterday, legendary Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena raised questions over Kusal’s omission. Now, Harsha Bhogle, renowned Indian commentator, has also expressed his displeasure over his exclusion, referring that just one year ago Kusal Perera had played one of the greatest innings of all time.
“So Kusal Perera plays the test innings of 2019, among the finest ever played, but by the start of 2020, isn’t good enough to be in the test squad. There, in a nutshell, is the issue with Sri Lanka. So many fine players unable to go to the next level.”
On Tuesday, Sri Lanka announced 15-member squad, as fast bowler Suranga Lakmal was included after recovering from dengue. The surprise move, however, was to drop Kusal Perera, who just one year ago had played the greatest innings of all time in test cricket history, against South Africa in Durban.
After the announcement of the squad, former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardena, an admirer of Kusal’s match winning ability, also expressed his anger over this illogical exclusion.
“Wasn’t he the same player who won the test match in Durban single handedly 12 months ago? He has only played 3 test matches (5 Innings) since then” a surprised Mahela Jayawardana posted on his twitter handle.
Only few hours later, however, Asantha De Mel came out with one of the most bizarre explanation on Kusal’s absence from Zimbabwe tour.
“Yes, Kusal can make 150s, but we needed someone who can occupy the crease, which is why we Chose Thirimane” Asantha explained Kusal’s omission.
The logic was that much pathetic, that even Mahela felt it’s an insult to keep continue with his view.
‘I rest my case’ Mahela posted on his twitter handle after seeing Asantha De Mel’s View on Kusal’s omission.
