Something in me dies everytime I see Nuwan Kulesekara get to the top of his run. It could be that I know another 125kmph dolly is about to be looped up to an interntional batsmen but it could equally be because it reminds me of an animal who is withering in pain in its last breath.
About 2 years ago Kulesekara served a purpose. Now the very idea of him serves none. Kulesekara, I’m sure is a nice guy, he certainly likes to smile a lot on the field. If a cricketing version of Casper the friendly ghost was made Peter Jackson would be booking Nuwan on the first day. Maybe it is because he is so gentle and lovely that he doesn’t see it himself.
Kulesekara was once ranked the number 1 ODI bowler in the world. IN THE WORLD. Right now it sounds like this may have been a glitch in the ICC rankings. This of course, we know, is not possible.
He appears to be another beneficiary of Sri Lankas in ability to spot a crickter in decay and resolve it. Patches only work for so long until a real solution is needed.
A real solution is needed now. Giving Nuwan one of the 2 new balls is a crime so big that it should probably make you Salman Butts cellmate. Malinga needs someone to back up his aggression. 2 years ago Kulesekara complimented him with his steady dollies at home. Now, away, he is being found out and is out of depth. Him smiling throughout it all only makes it more painful to watch.
And no one enjoys watching something on its last legs. Except those who do.
Dear damiths,
Your words are hurtful and uncalled for. I have known Nuwan all his life. He is a talented youngster with a few more years to offer the national team. I certainly hope he proves you wrong tonight!
Annonymos
NuwanMother > Sorry if I hurt you by saying things about your son. But surely you see it too. I guess its hard to look past it with the motherly love barrier.
And its nice to see another Mother on the site. Now my mom wouldn’t feel so alone.
I don’t know machan. Not saying I don’t agree with you, just that we aren’t exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to the pace department (putting NK under Pace is a bit of a stretch admittedly). I watch Malinga bowl and wonder what’d happen if he happens to break down. Then we are stuck with Prasad and co. Or, god forbid, Dilhara. The problem with the new group is they aren’t out and out wicket takers nor are they economical. At least with Kulasekara the team management has some idea of what he can and can’t do.
PS: I keep hoping Kulasekara has one more level to go and become a sorta Chaminda Vaas Lite. Hasn’t happened.
PPS: I really miss Chaminda Vaas.
Theena> Well I think Weladegara is an ideal choice to replace NK at the moement, he offers us that extra option with the left arm angle and he can nip it about, specially when you consider he has the chance to use a completely new ball from his end these days. He showed so much improvement in SA that would be a crime if he doesnt get a chance in Aus. To me he is the most improved SL quick and he can only get better the more he plays.
Then there is Eranga, who was very good v Aus at home and is now playing FC cricket. Dont really rate Pradeep. Lakmal is steady.
So IMO, we have plenty of options to try who are going to be better suited for what the game demands just at the moment.
Sure NK had a good game yesterday and he will prob now play almost all games but take him to a road like Adeliade or MCG and you just someone like Warner to be in the groove and he will find facing up to NK the easiest he has had it.
ps- We all miss VAss!
I used to really like the guy (still do, personally) but as a cricketer, it’s sad to see him becoming useless to the team. 🙁
Bowlers have been our saviours for a good number of years (and even yesterday, almost), but seriously. Our bowling department now makes me cry.
[…] February, we wrote this about Kulesekara. A somber look ahead to his inevitably sad demise. 6 months on, the lad seems […]
[…] February, we wrote this about Kulesekara. A somber look ahead to his inevitably sad demise. 6 months on, the lad seems […]