Tom Moody, the former Aussie all-rounder and current Sri Lankan coach completes six months at the helm and with the team having played a decent number of matches during his current tenure, the time has come for us analysts to critically evaluate the progress made by the side. I would be using references of yet another Australian, John Dyson – Moody’s predecessor as the Lankan coach, considering the fact that they scaled reasonably high heights during his stint.
Sri Lanka under John Dyson
John Dyson, the former Australian opening batsman took charge of the Sri Lankan team after the West Indies tour in 2003 replacing former captain Duleep Mendis. The situation of his appointment was really important, as the team was undergoing a metamorphosis, or lets say a transition. It was a time when greats like Aravinda de Silva hung up their boots and with such a task on hand, Dyson was successful in the creating a Team Sri Lanka, by bringing several key players together.
So, what exactly is John Dyson’s contribution to Sri Lankan cricket ? Well here it is. The team developed a sense of character under this man. There was a special trait that this team had – fighting from hopeless situations and still coming on top, or at least trying to. A testament to this would be the way the team competed against the Aussies at home in the ODI series, even after getting a 3-zip drubbing in the Tests. But, reading deeper into those three tests, they managed to stay competitive, and it was only through sheer Australian brilliance and not lacklustre effort by the Lankans, that they managed to win the series. Another aspect of Dyson was that he imposed his personality over the team. The Lankans could relate to his way of thought – aggression and they always came hard at the opposition, which is to an extent lacking in this current team. There was something about these Lankans then, which seems to have faded away today. He also was successful in establishing a core group of players – Jayasuriya, Atapattu, Jayawardena, Sangakkara (later), Vaas and Murali, whose expertise and experience helped the team weather many a storm and also paved way for potential youngsters like Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath. The trait of purpose-oriented cricket was seen, which is surely not there in this team. And more importantly, the Lankans managed to perform and perform well consistently, which by the end of his tenure was highlighted by their position in the ODI rankings – #2.
Sri Lanka under Tom Moody
The Sri Lankans are no-doubt a side with immense talent. But, for a coach, channelising this very talent is important. Being a passionate supporter of their game, I somehow feel that Moody has failed to bring about that very channelization. The team looks very same and predictable. Maybe, most of us sitting at home were carried about their blistering performances against the West Indies, India and Bangladesh at home, only to be flattered to deceive two months later. There is a clear lack of a nucleus within the team. The think-tank seems divided. The consistency is missing. Yes, but one positive side to all this is that with Moody being a man with a vision, one hopes, the future should seem bright. Every team has gone through this phase of defeat, depression and disappointment – but the earlier they get out of it, the better it is. He is doing a good job so far of bringing together the gen-Y of Sri Lankan cricket, but somehow one feels that it is coming at the cost of the usuals. Certain decisions made by Moody and Co have to a greater extent have been baffling, to say the least. And, unlike the good old Dyson days, the Lankans are seeming more of a side that is looking to go through the motions rather than impose itself on the proceedings. It will be really interesting to see how the next two-three months hold up for this team, as they will look to forge ahead to newer and tougher challenges in Australia and New Zealand, which for me, will be “Break Point” for Moody. He either wins it from there on or loses the plot.
This post is in no way trying to undermine the coaching or man-management abilities of Tom Moody, but just aims to point out harsh realities and lessons to be learnt from this, by facing these realities. I really hope, along with fellow fans of Sri Lankan Cricket, that Tom Moody in some months will turn a hero and take Sri Lanka to the next level. For some, this post might seem pretty pre-mature, as Sri Lanka are yet to be tested against oppositions like Australia, England and New Zealand etc, but with regard to the recent performances of this team, I personally feel that the timing of this post is quite appropriate and justified. Opinions and counter-views – most welcome.