Jayasuriya revives memories of glory days

By V. Balaji

Mumbai, May 15: Sanath Jayasuriya's blazing 114 not out at the Wankhade on Wednesday revived memories of his heyday. Pictures of the Lankan tearing into attacks with this audacity have faded. In fact the high price he commanded at the IPL auction came in for some criticism after his continued failure in the first half of the tournament and there will be relief in the Mumbai Indians' camp.

It was also a day to shatter myths. Whether it is T20 or five-day cricket the ball knows not the age of the player who delivers it or hits it. Unless a player is holding on to his place on reputation and blocking a youngster's entry, age should remain only a number. The spirit Jayasuriya displayed on the field was awesome and often infectious. To Sachin Tendulkar's credit he allowed the Lankan and Robin Uthappa to decide on most things in the field. Rightly so, as it was the first match for the little master while Uthappa and Jayasuriya have seen the others closely.

At one point Sachin even banished himself to the fine leg fence, handing over the reins completely to Jayasuriya, who did a fine job, running up and offering words of advice and encouragement every time a bowler was leaking runs

Even before Jayasuriya came in to bat, there were clear indications on how badly he wanted to win this for his team. Mumbai had lost a close away game to Chennai and the last they wanted was a muffed up chase. Jayasuriya ensured there would be none of that here with an innings that bordered on the brutal.

The game has seldom seen a batsman with a complete change in grip continuing to dominate as Jayasuriya. His vintage moments were the 1996 World Cup and the Independence Cup the following year. With a top hand grip then he allowed his right hand to dominate. Bowlers continue to suffer against a strong bottom hand these days as the grip has shifted.

The bottom hand packs the punch these days. The short arm jab over mid-wicket is propelled by strong forearms, tremendous bat speed and the entire body weight getting behind the ball. It should come as no surprise if the champion continues to impress and pilots Mumbai to a semifinal slot that looked impossible after the first four games. After all Jayasuriya has proved it's all in the mind and it could well be two of the greatest entertainers of this era, both on the wrong side of their 30's, will bust the age myth in the youngest versions of cricket.