The Resurgence of Sri Lankan Cricket: Kusal Mendis and the New Dawn

Sri Lankan cricket has long been a tale of resilience, punctuated by the exploits of its talismanic players. Aravinda de Silva and Arjuna Ranatunga were the architects of numerous rescue acts in the 1990s, their stoic determination and brilliance often steering Sri Lanka away from the brink. They handed over the mantle to Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, whose sublime artistry and indomitable spirit sustained the team for over a decade. In the transitional phase that followed, Angelo Mathews emerged as the torchbearer, but persistent fitness issues curtailed his ability to consistently shoulder the burden. Consequently, the responsibility of reviving Sri Lanka’s fortunes fell to a new generation of players.

Among this cohort, names like Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Perera, Roshen Silva, and Kaushal Silva emerged, brimming with talent but often plagued by inconsistency. However, one name has begun to rise above the rest: Kusal Mendis. At just 23 years old, Mendis has showcased a temperament and resolve reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s cricketing greats, offering a glimmer of hope to a fanbase weary of mediocrity.

The Rise of Kusal Mendis

Mendis announced himself on the world stage with a scintillating 176 against a formidable Australian attack at Pallekele in 2016. It was an innings of rare brilliance, blending audacious strokeplay with an uncanny ability to dominate the opposition. The knock set the tone for a memorable series victory, but it also created an expectation that Mendis’s career trajectory would mirror the meteoric rise of legends before him. Yet, the years that followed were marked by inconsistency, as Mendis grappled with the nuances of Test cricket.

By 2018, under the guidance of coach Chandika Hathurusingha and batting mentor Thilan Samaraweera, Mendis began to evolve. He shed his impulsive reliance on counterattacks and embraced a more measured approach, understanding that Test cricket demands adaptability and patience. This transformation was evident during Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand, where Mendis delivered back-to-back heroic performances in Wellington and Christchurch, braving hostile conditions and relentless bowling to keep his team afloat.

A Newfound Maturity

The hallmark of Mendis’s resurgence has been his ability to adapt to the demands of different situations. Against New Zealand, he weathered the storm from Trent Boult and Tim Southee, enduring Neil Wagner’s relentless short-pitched barrage with poise. His partnership with Angelo Mathews in Wellington was a masterclass in survival, as the duo batted through an entire day to secure a draw. Mendis’s willingness to curb his natural attacking instincts for the team’s cause marked a significant shift in his approach.

Reflecting on his innings, Mendis acknowledged his errors with refreshing candour. “I don’t think that was a great ball to drive,” he admitted after his dismissal in Christchurch. “After looking at the replays, I realised I made the wrong decision. Hopefully, I can learn from it.” Such self-awareness is a trait shared by cricket’s finest, and it bodes well for Mendis’s future.

The Impact of Chandika Hathurusingha

Hathurusingha’s tenure as Sri Lanka’s coach has been fraught with challenges, but his influence on Mendis’s development is undeniable. Alongside Samaraweera, he has instilled in Mendis a deeper understanding of his game. The results have been encouraging: Mendis ended 2018 as one of the year’s leading run-scorers, amassing over 1,000 runs and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with luminaries like Virat Kohli.

The Road Ahead

Mendis’s declaration that he aims to score 1,000 runs every year is a testament to his ambition and hunger. Yet, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. For Sri Lanka to reclaim its place among cricket’s elite, Mendis must continue to evolve, translating his undeniable talent into consistent performances. He has shown glimpses of the temperament and technique required to emulate the likes of Mahela and Sangakkara, but the journey is far from over.

Sri Lanka’s cricketing fortunes have often hinged on the emergence of players capable of inspiring those around them. In Kusal Mendis, they may have found such a figure—a beacon of hope in a period of turmoil. His story is still being written, but if 2018 is any indication, Mendis has the potential to etch his name alongside the legends of Sri Lankan cricket.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Test for the Ages: Kingsmead 1948’s Electrifying Finale

The atmosphere at Kingsmead, Durban, in 1948 was charged with an almost mythical intensity. As the fading light clashed with a persistent drizzle, Test cricket bore witness to one of its most thrilling climaxes. With three balls remaining, four results lingered in the balance: a win for either side, a draw, or a tie. The final ball—a leg-bye clinching victory—etched this encounter into the annals of cricketing folklore.

But the tale of that match transcends its dramatic ending. It was a microcosm of cricket’s unpredictability, a contest of skill and nerve on a pitch as mercurial as the sport itself.

England's Quest for Redemption

The year 1948 had not been kind to England. Don Bradman’s swansong series left the English battered and bereft of confidence. The scars from their Ashes humiliation lingered as they embarked on their first South African tour in a decade. Victory in this unfamiliar territory wasn’t just a matter of pride; it was a necessary salve for wounded spirits.

Their prospects weren’t entirely bleak. A year prior, England had bested South Africa on home soil, and though doubts loomed, they were still considered favourites to win the series. However, their mettle would be tested against a South African side determined to exploit every vulnerability.

A Stage Set for Battle

The first Test at Kingsmead was a four-day affair, punctuated by historical undertones. England’s captain, George Mann, debuted in this match, following in the footsteps of his father, Frank Mann, who had led England in South Africa 26 years prior. South Africa, too, fielded debutants, and their captain Dudley Nourse stepped in for the injured Alan Melville.

Nourse’s decision to bat first was calculated, influenced by forecasts of thunderstorms that promised to wreak havoc on the second day. The pitch, temperamental and unpredictable, reflected the tension that defined this contest.

Day 1: Swing and Strife

Alec Bedser and Clifford Gladwin capitalized on the humid conditions, delivering a masterclass in swing bowling. South Africa’s openers faltered, but a 51-run stand between debutant Bruce Mitchell and Nourse offered a glimmer of stability. Yet, England’s fielding brilliance—exemplified by Alan Watkins’ one-handed short-leg catch and Cyril Washbrook’s sharp run-out—ensured the pendulum swung firmly in their favour.

Bedser and Gladwin’s relentless discipline dismantled the South African lineup, with only Denis Begbie and OC Dawson showing resistance. South Africa were bowled out for a modest 161, with Bedser’s 4 for 39 and Gladwin’s 3 for 21 underscoring England’s dominance.

Day 2: Thunderstorms and Momentum

Rain curtailed play on the second day, but not England’s ascendancy. Len Hutton and Cyril Washbrook negotiated South Africa’s bowlers with aplomb, stitching together a 50-run stand in brisk fashion. Dudley Nourse turned to his spinners, Tufty Mann and Athol Rowan, who managed to stem the flow of runs. By stumps, England were well-placed at 144 for 2, with Hutton’s commanding 81 hinting at further trouble for the hosts.

Day 3: A Pitch Transformed

The third day descended into chaos, a captivating duel between bat and ball. Nineteen wickets fell for just 199 runs, a spectacle born from Mann’s shrewd decision to delay rolling the pitch. The dry crust that formed overnight crumbled under the heavy roller, creating a minefield for batsmen and a paradise for spinners.

England’s Denis Compton stood tall amid the carnage, crafting a gritty 72 to guide his team to 253. Mann’s left-arm guile yielded 6 for 59, while Rowan’s off-breaks added 4 for 108.

South Africa’s response was cautious yet tenuous. Dudley Nourse and Mitchell added vital runs, but England’s bowlers, particularly Doug Wright, found their rhythm. Wright, rediscovering his leg-spin artistry, claimed crucial wickets, leaving South Africa teetering at 90 for 4 by stumps.

The Final Act: A Day of Legend

The rest day only heightened the anticipation. When play resumed, Wade and Begbie’s 85-run stand for the fifth wicket seemed to tilt the scales. Yet England’s bowlers—notably Wright and Jenkins—rallied. South Africa’s innings folded at 219, setting England a target of 128 in 135 minutes.

The pursuit was fraught with peril. The pitch, unrelenting in its spite, and the failing light created a cauldron of tension. Washbrook survived a chance off the first ball but Tufty Mann soon claimed Hutton. George Mann promoted himself to steady the chase but fell to a spectacular slip catch by Mitchell off 19-year-old debutant Cuan McCarthy.

McCarthy’s fiery spell left England reeling at 70 for 6. Compton, ever the stoic, forged a crucial partnership with Jenkins, but McCarthy struck again, finishing with remarkable figures of 6 for 43. England’s hopes now rested on Bedser and Gladwin, the last pair.

The Climactic Finale

As the drizzle persisted and the light dimmed, Bedser and Gladwin braved McCarthy’s fiery deliveries. With scores tied, the drama culminated in the final ball of Len Tuckett’s over. Gladwin swung and missed, but the ball deflected off his thigh and rolled towards short leg. The duo sprinted desperately, and Tufty Mann’s throw narrowly missed the stumps as Bedser completed the run.

Victory by a leg-bye off the last ball—a singular moment in Test history—sent the crowd into raptures. Spectators stormed the pitch, hoisting players aloft in jubilant disbelief. In the pavilion, many English players confessed they had been unable to watch the nail-biting conclusion.

Legacy of a Thriller

This match at Kingsmead wasn’t merely a game; it was a testament to cricket’s capacity for theatre. England’s narrow victory rekindled their confidence, propelling them to a 2-0 series triumph. Yet, the true essence of this Test lay in its narrative—the tactical battles, individual heroics, and the relentless unpredictability of cricket.

Seventy-six years later, the Kingsmead Test of 1948 remains an emblem of why cricket, in its purest form, captivates hearts and minds. It is a story of resilience, ingenuity, and the ceaseless drama that unfolds when sport meets history.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Cricket in East Pakistan: A Journey from Marginalization to Passion

The year 1947 marked the end of British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent, leading to the partition of India and the creation of two independent nations: India and Pakistan. This division gave birth to a unique political and cultural landscape, with Pakistan split into West and East regions. Amidst the political upheaval and socio-economic challenges, sports emerged as a unifying force, with cricket playing a pivotal role. Despite its colonial roots, cricket became a symbol of national pride and a tool for diplomacy, especially between India and Pakistan. However, the development of cricket in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was starkly different from its progress in the West.

The Early Days: A Struggle for Recognition

In the years following the partition, cricket in West Pakistan began to flourish, fueled by enthusiastic players and administrators. In contrast, East Pakistan faced significant challenges. The departure of influential figures like the Maharaja of Natore and Sarada Ranjan Ray left a void in the cricketing landscape of East Bengal. Football and hockey quickly overshadowed cricket, particularly after Dhaka District Eleven’s historic victory over the Islington Corinthians football team in 1937. This triumph ignited a football revolution that dominated the region for decades.

Yet, cricket persisted in the pockets of East Pakistan. According to veteran journalist Muhammad Kamruzzaman, informal club leagues kept the spirit of cricket alive during the partition years. Matches were held at venues like Dhaka DSA Ground, Wari Victoria, and East End, albeit with limited infrastructure and resources. By 1948, organized cricket leagues resumed, laying the foundation for the sport’s future growth.

Institutional Support and Early Milestones

The formation of a cricket association in East Pakistan in 1951 marked a turning point. Spearheaded by figures like Feroz Khan Noon and Masood Salahuddin, this initiative sought to institutionalize cricket in the region. The visit of a Burmese cricket team in 1951 further bolstered local interest, even though the matches were casual and lacked professionalism. These events signalled the beginning of cricket’s gradual rise in East Pakistan.

The 1952-53 tour of East Pakistan by the West Pakistan cricket team, led by Abdul Hafeez Kardar, was another milestone. Matches held in Chattogram and Dhaka showcased local talent, with players like Dr. Mazharul Islam Damal and Qazi Mohsin earning recognition. Although these matches were largely symbolic, they planted the seeds for cricket’s growth in the region. Kardar himself acknowledged this in a 1954 column for Dawn, noting that the first seeds of cricket in East Pakistan had been sown.

The Rise of Infrastructure and Talent

The establishment of the East Pakistan Sports Federation (EPSF) further propelled cricket’s development. Participation in the Pakistan National League exposed local players to high-level competition, offering invaluable experience despite the dominance of teams from Karachi and Lahore. The construction of a cricket stadium in Dhaka in 1955, now known as the Bangabandhu International Stadium, ushered in a new era. Hosting its first Test match between Pakistan and India on January 1, 1955, the stadium became a symbol of East Pakistan’s cricketing aspirations.

During this period, cricket gained popularity among the youth, with schools and colleges embracing the sport. Grounds like Dhaka DSA, Wari Club, and Eidgah became hubs of cricketing activity, nurturing talents like Abdul Halim Chowdhury Jewel and Raquibul Hasan. These players, characterized by their fearless approach and technical proficiency, began to challenge the dominance of West Pakistani cricketers.

Persistent Discrimination and the Struggle for Equality

Despite these advancements, East Pakistani cricketers faced systemic discrimination. The cricketing hierarchy, dominated by West Pakistan, often overlooked talent from the East. Niaz Ahmed, a non-Bengali cricketer, was the only player from East Pakistan to represent the national team before 1971, highlighting the exclusionary practices of the time. Even when players from the East demonstrated their capabilities, as in the 1952-53 match against West Pakistan, they were frequently sidelined in favour of their Western counterparts.

This marginalization extended to international tours. For instance, Sohrab Khan and Amirullah Munni, two promising players from East Pakistan, were included in the Pakistan Eaglets’ tour to England but were fielded in only two matches out of twenty. Such instances underscored the systemic biases that hindered the growth of cricket in East Pakistan.

The Liberation War and the Birth of Bangladesh Cricket

The liberation war of 1971 marked a turning point in the history of East Pakistan. The sacrifices of individuals like Abdul Halim Chowdhury Jewel, who fought and died for Bangladesh’s independence, underscored the deep connection between cricket and national identity. Raquibul Hasan, another prominent cricketer, survived the war and became instrumental in rebuilding cricket in the newly independent Bangladesh.

Post-Independence: Rekindling the Cricketing Spirit

Following independence, cricket struggled to reclaim its preeminence in Bangladesh. Football dominated the sports landscape throughout the 1970s and 1980s. However, efforts to revive cricket persisted. By the mid-1990s, cricket began to eclipse football, fueled by grassroots initiatives and international exposure. The passion for cricket, deeply rooted in Bengal’s history, found new expression in the hearts of Bangladeshis.

Today, Bangladesh is a nation synonymous with cricket. The sport has transcended its colonial origins to become a symbol of national pride and unity. From the humble beginnings of club leagues in the 1940s to hosting international matches in state-of-the-art stadiums, Bangladesh’s cricketing journey is a testament to resilience and passion. The legacy of pioneers like Jewel, Raquibul, and countless others continues to inspire a cricket-mad nation.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar