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Comment by Dr. Elmo Rodrigopulle

It is not the winning or losing that matters, but how one played the game.

That was the time honoured axiom, that all sportsmen and women were nursed and nurtured on.

But today, sadly it is the winning that matters and winning at whatever cost the bottom line.

It is so because, money and big money at that has gone to erode and corrode the true spirit of sport.

True winners are heroes and losers outcasts. But winning was achieved according to the rules and in the true spirit of the game and sportsmanship.

But sadly what do we see and notice today - winning with individuals and teams stooping low, cheating and breaking all rules. What does it all lead to? A society that is diseased.

The other day everyone watching the Sri Lanka V Pakistan and Sri Lanka V News Zealand second round games in Dambulla were shocked at the appalling behaviour of some of our bowlers. They were appealing for every ball that struck the opposing batsmen's legs.

And what was unacceptable was that they were appealing to the local umpires Tyronne Wijewardena and Peter Manuel and putting pressure on them so as to get a favourable decision.

A particular bowler who now things that he is bigger than the game acted in a manner that put to shame the game and all that it stands for.

When an umpire turned down an LBW appeal, this bowler at the end of the over was seen indicating that the ball did not hit the bat, and so the batsman should have been ruled out.

In so doing the bowler was embarrassing, humiliating and heaping curses on the umpire. He was also inciting the spectators who kept on booing the umpire. Now if this low behaviour was not bringing the game to disrepute tell me what is.

Had former Indian batting star match referee Gundappa Vishvanath, taken this bowler to task no one would have faulted him. It would have taught this bowler a lesson that would have stood him in good stead for the rest of his career.

To the credit of the two umpires, Wijewardena and Manuel it must be said that they did not succumb to the pressure, but did their job fair and square and to the best of their ability.

Wijewardena and Manuel both cricketers of no mean repute who have played the game at the highest level, in not cowing down, and falling prey to the cunning of this bowler, proved an example to all other umpires.

It also taught this bowler that wickets must be captured fair and square. Well done Wijewardena and Manuel.

Had the umpires succumbed to the pressure and raised their fingers, it would have lowered their esteem and also dropped their chances of being picked to the elite panel.

The Bank Alfalah Cup triangular one-day series will go down as one of the worst ever tournaments conducted. That is because the wickets that were provided were not fit for this type of game.

One day cricket was thought out because Test cricket was becoming a bore. But if this tournament is an indication, then the cowboy game, too will soon not be worth watching, if similar wickets are continued to be provided.

New Zealand led by Stephen Fleming must certainly be enjoying their unexpected success. When they arrived, they would have been pleased with a drawn Test series and a good showing in the one-day series.

But not only did they come out tops in the Tests against Sri Lanka, but beat all odds to pocket the one-day trophy.

While we congratulate the Kiwis on this wonderful showing, we must give them six of the best for their approach in playing spin.

Their batsmen seemed locked to the crease, with no footwork whatsoever and their batsmen gave a lesson in how not to play spin. Sad.

As for the Lankans, they must quickly get back to the nets and learn to put the basics right. The Sri Lankan game is all wrong in every aspect. The selectors too will need to get their thinking right.

Today most Test playing nations are searching for all-rounders. Why Sri Lanka's leading all-rounder Upul Chandana was not given a game, in the Tests and the one-dayers will always remain a mystery.

Had Chandana played he would have made one helluva difference to the Lankan game.

Although he came into the team late, Tillekeratne Dilshan, coached by Ranjan Paranavithane made a good impression.

Our next expedition will be to the Carribbean and unless the selectors pick the correct combinations from the captains downwards, Sri Lankans will be no opposition.

As for the Pakistanis, they have loads of talent and once they get their game right will be a force to be reckoned with. In Javed Miandad, the former aggressive skipper they have a coach who has taught them that aggression is a prerequisite for success.

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