“I will get Kumar Sangakkara’s expertise and invite him to come and help us. If I don’t look for his help, then I will be wasting this opportunity I have been given” Chandika Hathurusingha, the High Profile Coach of Sri Lanka Team told this on December 27, after his first Training Session with a pool of 23 players for the Bangladesh Tour.
“Not only him, but other past players such as Mahela Jayawardene and Muttiah Muralitharan will also hopefully be working with us. We will definitely try and get as much expertise out of them. Whenever they have the time, and depending on what our needs are, we will definitely be utilising them as a resource” Hathurasingha further underlined his plans on that particular day, for the shaping of the Sri Lanka team
Five months later, on May 9, Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) announced the hiring of Two Lesser known Australian experts on the short term basis, in order to enhance Test Squad’s skill level, according to board.
SLC hired Peter Sleep, the former Australian leg Spinner to work with the spinners, while Cricket Victoria’s High Performance Manager Timothy Mc Caskill has been hired to work with the squad’s fast bowling unit.
McCaskill is hired primarily for his expertise in working with international bowlers in remodeling their actions after major injuries.
SLC also stated that the Australian duo have been hired purely on the recommendation of Hathurusingha! That particular exercise costs SLC approximately over 10 Million!
As for as there international experience is concerned, Peter Sleep represented Australia in 14 test matches, while McCaskill hasn’t played any International Cricket.
Interestingly, In these months, Hathurusingha never tried to bring Murali, Mahela Or Sangakkara On the Board! Mahela visited for a day during Sri Lanka preparing before the Nidahas trophy on Purely on Honorary Basis!
Moreover, on this particular issue, SLC always gives lame excuse that The three legends remains busy in their other commitments. When Cricket Age Asked The question of hiring Either of the legend as Consultants to a top SLC Official, he replied in a interesting way.
“Right now, all three are busy in Indian Premier League (IPL)” He said.
However, the true picture says something else. that’s only for two months (Mahela and Murali) and Sangakkara for 2-3 weeks In the IPL. Before that have they genuinely tried?
It shows, SLC still has grudge over three legends. And, in this scenario, Obviously Hathurasingha also don’t want to Upset SLC top brass, by inviting them as consultants.
So, Tried or not, available or not, the scenario of Mahela and Murali Working with Sri Lanka Team is still a thing of imagination only!
