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 SLC allows Jayasuriya to continue playing till 2011 World Cup
30th May 2008 17:59 IST
Agencies
After silencing his critics with a stupendous show in the Indian Premier League, veteran Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has got the nod of his Board's selection panel chief to continue till the 2011 World Cup to be co-hosted by the island nation.
Jayasuriya, who was left out of the original Asia Cup squad in pursuance of Board's policy of infusing young blood only to be brought back after his IPL show, ended as the third highest run getter after the league stage of the IPL with 514 runs at an average of 42.83.
Sri Lanka selection panel chief Ashantha de Mel was all praise for the 'Matara Maruader', saying they have been forced to re-consider their selection policy after Jayasuriya hammered the second fastest century in the IPL, a 114 not out.
"In fact Sanath Jayasuriya was able to force himself back into national recognition by scoring a brilliant unbeaten century for the Mumbai Indians. Jayasuriya will definitely be playing in the next World Cup as long as the veteran left hander maintains his fitness and form in the important games," De Mel was quoted as saying by state-run 'Daily News'.
De Mel said the long term plan to groom a set of youngsters who would be a major force in two to three years time will continue but at the same time will have to accommodate performing players even if they are old.
"The IPL Twenty20 tournament has proved that age is no barrier and Jayasuriya has led from the front with some outstanding contributions with bat and ball," he said.
"Looking at the IPL T20 tournament the most significant factor is that the older players were performing well compared to the much younger players," De Mel said, adding that the Jayasuriya's selection for the Asia Cup in Pakistan was a unanimous decision of the selection committee. |
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