Cricket: Mahela wears captain’s arm-band again

Takes over Sri Lanka’s captaincy after Dilshan resigns.

COLOMBO: A day after Sri Lanka chased down 300-plus for the second time in the series, which South Africa won 3-2, Tillakaratne Dilshan resigned as captain from all three formats and former captain Mahela Jayawardene was named his replacement, according to officials of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Dilshan, 35, was appointed after Kumar Sangakkara stepped down following this year’s World Cup and led Sri Lanka on away tours against England, Pakistan and South Africa, while also leading the team at home against Australia.

“Dilshan has resigned as captain in all three formats of the game,” read an SLC statement. “Members of the executive committee take this opportunity to thank Dilshan for his commitment and dedication during his tenure as the national captain. We also wish him well as he continues to represent Sri Lanka as a national player.”

His captaincy came under severe criticism as the World Cup finalists lost both the Test and One-Day International (ODI) series against all four countries including being bundled out for 43 in the first ODI against South Africa.

Dilshan’s batting form also suffered during his tenure as captain as he averaged a poor 20.95 in 11 ODIs  – in comparison to his career average of 34.68. In 11 Tests, Dilshan averaged 33.6 as opposed to his overall 40.89.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2012.