This kind of weather forecasting is amazing..so much detailing must have gone through all this... I remember in the T20 WC, Chris Gayle opted to field against England as, according to him, Chanders has predicted that it'd rain in the 2nd half...that's why I've seen some experts advocating the use of at least 1 local umpire even in the Test matches...

Very heartening to read the story of the groundsman who valiantly tried to save sometime from the clutches of rain during the first test match between India and Sri Lanka .Few people try to cover the efforts of a person who covers the grounds that provide entertainment to millions. In fact the staff requires as much coverage as the persons who play the game. There was a time when technical staff of cinema industry was seldom mentioned in the prize distribution ceremonies and all the credit was given to the actors and various directors only. Perhaps the plight of the grounds staff is comparable to those technicians. But not now. The sports media has come of age and this article is a testimony of the maturity of the writers. I feel honoured in congratulating Mr. Sidhartha Monga and expect such like more stuff in the future too.

This is the kind of piece that Sidharth Monga is better suited to write - appreciation and portrayal of human character. He is very good at this. The passion and love Mr. Warnaweera possesses for the stadium and the game has been described beautifully. If the half hour late start has irked some, this piece explains how it could have easily been much worse if not for Jayananda. But, in my humble opinion, Mr. Monga should stick to this kind of articles - as his understanding of the game of cricket is overrated. His bias for India is never subtle - and his usual cricketing analysis is a far cry from impartial journalism. Great job Sidharth with this article - please take feedback constructively. Thanks.

The Men behind the scenes like him who put in their heart into the work they do deserve more appreciation

Truly inspirational for Sri Lankan cricket lovers. Keep up the good work!

great article...and hats off to the fierce groundsman...
and hats off to Mr. Monga's ability to make everyday human look like a hero..

Dear Asia, Congratulations for your hard work. I really proud to be a Mahindian specially when we have college mates like you.

So little is written about the dedication of the personnel behind the playing stars -- this is a very worthy article.

Nice to here the hard work people put to make it a match. Hats off to grounds man, unsung heroes.

I am baffled to see that every year during the peak monsoon season a series is planned to be played in Sri Lanka which sees most of the games being washed out. Is it not a sheer ignorance by the cricketing boards of both the natrions as the same thing is being happening for the last 3 years?

People are really getting bored to see India playing against Sri Lanka all the time. We have got atleast two series each year. It makes me wonder as if there are no other teams to play against. Hope the teams that India plays against are rotated more often.

Thanks for the nice article.
Jayananda Warnaweera is a gift of God to Galle and product of Major G. W. S. de Silva (Former Cricket coach - Mahinda College, Galle). Thank you "Warne" and looking forward to read these type of articles again and again.

Well Done ! Warne youhave proved again what is all about maintaining grounds. There is no one to match you Keep the good work going.

Well Done ! Warne youhave proved again what is all about maintaining grounds. There is no one to match you Keep the good work going.

Hats off to your determination Mr. Warnaweera! Wish we could see more behind the scenes stories like this.

Its their job to get the ground ready. What a waste of an article.

Really it's nice to hear about Warnaweera's efforts. It's all passion and his love for cricket that motivates him.

i very much appreciate the effforts of ground staff,the time selected by both the boards is improper.how heart breaking it will be for my dearest Murli if he does not get a chance to bowl a single ball?!!!

Dont blame the rain gods! Blame the greedy cricket administration 'dogs' . Why schedule a test series during the height of monsoons! 30 years back cricket stopped in the sub-continent around May and restarted in October!. Money speaks and hard working motivated guys like Jayanada are the exploited!

This is got to be another British antiquated rules of the game. Two countries play for 5 days and people watch for 5 days 7 to 8 hrs per day.like they have nothing to do and sit in the stadium. Irony of the whole thing is 50% of the matches have no results, after playing for 5 days and spending billions of rupees, there is no result, that is almost like cowards game and insane. Without result how can there be pressure and excitement in the game. The way it is now, all teams start playing for the draw from day one. Format should assure result in every match, New format could a three day test match with each team batting only once and maximum 125 overs per team, this will assure guaranteed results and should allow for rain make up time. Will make the game more exciting and stop these meaningless double and triple centuries. 20 over does not allow for skill demonstration, 50 overs provide some opprtunities and excitment but tests need to be truncated and must provide results.

For youngsters who havent heard of Warnaweera, he was a former test player, a good off-spinner who bowled at a fastish pace. He displayed a lot of passion for the game in his playing days. Glad to know that he is still associated with the game.

Our countries need leaders of that calibre

Its their job to get the ground ready. What a waste of an article.

To Mr. tired of India vs SL.

Yes Sir,
It is their job to get the ground ready. They are paid for it. Ho Man !!! think about the heat and the conditions in Sri Lanka. Your comment show us your disgusted mentality, unsportive behaviour and uneducated-ness. Mr. Warnaweera does this job, love of the game and deserves to be praised, not to be criticise from sick people. Poor mentally person like you may be think this type of an article be a waste. I would recommend you Psychiatric Medication my man and forget about the gentlemen's game.

Thank you very much Mr. Warnaweera and we love your efforts.