Sri Lanka are following on still 288 runs behind England. The score is 71/1 with Sangakkara and Tharanga looking reasonably comfortable. Jehan Mubarak was dismissed early on for six. This post will concern Mubarak's position in the team.
When Mubarak made his debut, it was surprising to some. Although he had proved himself in the local domestic circuit, any seasoned observer will tell you that there are better prospects out there (Why Ian Daniel hasn't still played for Sri Lanka is beyond me). No matter. We hoped that he would make use of the oppurtunities and prove that he had the abilities needed for international cricket. After all, that is how Kumar Sangakkara came into the team.
Now four years after his debut, he has done little to suggest that things will turn around. Granted that in this four year period he has only played seven matches, it still doesn't take away from the fact that he has looked out of his depth.
Similarly, in ODIs, he has played 35 matches and scored two fifties. But the first argument still holds true: he hasn't had any impact on the team.
On the other hand, Chamara Kapugedera, a 19-year old just out of school, has taken to international cricket like duck to water. His performances in the Australia ODI series was very promising. Unlike Mubarak and Vandort, here is a man who deserves to be in the team.
Heres hoping that the selectors are brave enough and pick people on talent, not on age or other criterion such as "I know the Minister, dammit"
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