Kumar Sangakkara interview: Sri Lanka's problems, the future of Test cricket and Dorset BBQs

The former Sri Lanka captain speaks to ASHWIN SUBRAMANIAN, winner of the Kia Young Journalist competition

Ashwin Subramanian | 05/09/2024 at 10:30

Batter, wicketkeeper, coach, administrator, selector, broadcaster and businessman. These are just some of the hats that Kumar Sangakkara dons. In each role, success seems to be a foregone conclusion. Such is the genius of the man, each sentence he utters includes a golden nugget of information that the listener's brain scrambles to retain.

In an exclusive interview with The Cricketer, he defends and explains Sri Lanka's performances during the ongoing England Test series - they are playing for pride at the Kia Oval after defeats at Old Trafford and Lord's - and the rebuilding process the team are currently undergoing.

"I thought it was a very good showing by the Sri Lankans, who had to face a lot of scrutiny before the start of the series, being constantly questioned whether they would be up to the challenge," he said of the first Test performance.

He also had special praise for Kamindu Mendis, who is enjoying a fine start to his Test career, with three hundreds and three fifties in his first nine innings.

"I think the batting is solid and has plenty of experience," Sangakkara explained. "Dimuth Karunaratne at the top and Kamindu Mendis in the form he is in are extremely capable. Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya De Silva are all in good form as well."

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Kamindu Mendis has enjoyed a fine start to his Test career (GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

Mathews, Chandimal and Karunaratne were members of the Sri Lanka squad that last won a Test series in England in 2014, a series in which Sangakkara was the highest run-scorer.

The Lord's Test was a momentous one for Joe Root. His twin centuries saw him surpass Sir Alastair Cook and bring up 34 Test tons for England. And he joined a list including George Headley, Graham Gooch, and Michael Vaughan to reach three figures in both innings of a Test at the self-styled home of cricket.

"I love the fact that Joe Root has really become Joe Root again," said Sangakkara, the sixth-highest scorer in Tests. "He is such an amazing player. As long as he bats like he does, he can score runs as quickly as anyone and can withstand pressure much more than anyone else in the side. He adds the versatility that England needs."

Though the attendance for the fourth day of the second Test garnered attention and forced the MCC into reviewing their pricing structure, the format remains in rude health in England – helped by the philosophy implemented by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Having previously served as a president of the MCC, Sangakkara – a self-professed lover of Test cricket - is aware of the financial and governance challenges that plague the format.

"There is no easy explanation or solution to the problem," he explained. "The traditional format of Test cricket is loved by a lot of fans, and also a huge number of players.

"There will always be trendsetters in each era who stand out, but players are wired to be competitive and will adapt to the circumstances"

"But there is no doubt that the format’s popularity has dropped, and a lot of it has to do with changing consumer dynamics. Fans who have been brought up on white-ball cricket are expected to graduate to appreciating Test cricket, which is not happening at the frequency everyone would like.

"The trends are pretty clear, and it is ultimately the fans who will decide where the game goes."

Test cricket currently faces multi-pronged issues. Changes in viewing habits, the volume of franchise competitions, and shortening attention spans. For cricket boards, series played over the longest format are loss-makers and struggle to attract substantial broadcast revenue.

"Ultimately this is about reaching more and more people," said Sangakkara. "People do not really need to come to the ground to experience and fall in love with cricket. There are many ways technology can be exploited to make the experience more versatile and immersive.

"Governing bodies need to have a hard look at the options available and decide accordingly. Most solutions often bring a lot of questions along with it, and visionary leadership is needed to tackle the problems faced by the game."

He added: "The financial stakeholders ultimately determine investment into the game, the investment needs a return. They deserve a seat at the table, not just a cursory one but in a way where they are deeply involved in deciding the future of the sport."

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Sangakkara served as MCC president for a year between 2019 and 2020 (Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images for MCC)

But no decline saddens Sangakkara like the one currently being experienced by the Sri Lanka men’s team. Since winning the T20 World Cup in 2014 – Sangakkara was player of the match in the final against India – their major tournament outings have been laden with failure. Finishing outside of the top eight at the last Cricket World Cup means they will be watching the return of the Champions Trophy next year from home.

"At one point, there was so much talent that was coming out that the necessity of a structure was ignored," he stated. "Now that the talent is not at the same quantum as it used to be, the cracks are evident, and it is difficult to play catchup to the leading nations."

Mahela Jayawardene resigning as a consultant six months into his year-long deal, citing "current decision-making" not being "fully aligned with the direction we were taking", suggests off-the-field tensions remain. Last November, the ICC suspended Sri Lanka's membership due to government interference. It saw the Men’s Under-19 World Cup moved to South Africa. Later lifted in January, they remain under the microscope.

Having served as Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket since 2021 and played nearly 600 times for his country, Sangakkara is confident there is no conflict between international and franchise cricket for Sri Lanka's players.

"There are enough examples going around. Most national teams have plenty of players who are successful in multiple formats, and it shows the adaptability of the players".

"The mentalities are the same. Players then and now always look for ways to win and be successful. The opportunities and formats though are different, which have necessitated a change in run scoring and risk-taking. There will always be trendsetters in each era who stand out, but players are wired to be competitive and will adapt to the circumstances."

Sangakkara, who now lives in Dorset, made a splash by turning out for local side Shillingstone CC in the Dorset Cricket League. "It is great fellowship, all about community and love for the game," he gleamed. "Great way to enjoy the English summer, and a good barbeque after always helps."

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