The Roar » Crystal Ja

Sri Lanka aim to rise above money worries

Crystal Ja — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:45:57 +0000

New Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene is adamant his unpaid squad can put their money woes and off-field dramas behind them to turn around what’s been a bleak patch of Test and one-day results.

Since finishing runner-up to India at last year’s World Cup, Sri Lanka’s form has slumped, falling to series losses to England, Australia, Pakistan and most recently South Africa.

The latest loss prompted the sacking of Australian coach Geoff Marsh just three months into a two-year contract – two days after skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan quit, allowing Jayawardene to reclaim the captaincy mantle.

Sri Lanka now enter their match against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Friday with a new captain, a new coach and renewed hopes that an almost year-long pay dispute with the nation’s governing sporting body might finally be resolved.

Jayawardene hopes the match also signals a new start for his troubled squad.

“Within a space of one week a lot of things happened in Sri Lankan cricket, so we’re just trying to settle things down,” he said on Thursday.

“But I’ve always believed that we should control things that we can control, which is out there on the field.

“We just need to find the right combination going forward and we just need to enjoy our cricket – that’s the most important thing.”

It’s been reported Sri Lankan players are still owed almost $5 million in match fees by the financially-stricken Sri Lanka Cricket, some dating as far back at the 2011 World Cup.

But a new board has been appointed, raising players’ hopes that a resolution is not too far off.

Jayawardene, the third captain since last April of a team that has also welcomed four coaches in that time, couldn’t rule out the potential for striking if the crisis stretched out further.

But he said the first priority for him and his team-mates was to play cricket.

He also rejected a suggestion the pay dispute might lure his players to seek more lucrative earnings in the IPL.

“We’ve waited this long, we’re not going to go that far hopefully,” Jayawardene said.

Jayawardene, who was previously captain of the national side in 2009, said Sri Lanka will be on the hunt for consistency as it gears up for the tri-series against Australia and India.

“We’ve played some really good cricket in the last six months, but we haven’t been able to put games together and win tournaments and win series.

“We chased 300 twice in South Africa and won the last two games which shows the character of the team.

“We just need to start focusing on the little things, the basics, executing game plans, the rule changes.

“We want to be in the winners’ circle.”

Roaring Hot

Yesterday’s most commented articles

The real story of how John O’Neill turned Manchester City down [67 comments]
Australian teams at Super disadvantage [58 comments]
Does the A-League need an injection of humour? [43 comments]

Most read articles last 3 days

Article link: Sri Lanka aim to rise above money worries. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

McCrone ready to fight for Raiders spot

Crystal Ja — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:23:36 +0000

Depth is a feature the Canberra Raiders will be pleased to reclaim for the upcoming NRL season, although playmaker Josh McCrone concedes it could very well come at his expense. The 24-year-old says he’s no certainty to pair with returned five-eighth Terry Campese in the halves this year and will be pushing hard for selection [...]

Article link: McCrone ready to fight for Raiders spot. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Brumbies’ Irish prop to turn up scrum heat

Crystal Ja — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:57:48 +0000

Northern hemisphere recruit Ruaidhri Murphy is ready to turn up the scrummaging heat in his bid to make the Brumbies’ Super Rugby starting team. Coach Jake White makes no secret of a long-term plan to develop prop Murphy, who holds joint Irish and Australian citizenship, as a future Wallaby. The 24-year-old faces a more immediate [...]

Article link: Brumbies’ Irish prop to turn up scrum heat. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Canberra Raiders commence Josh Dugan talks

Crystal Ja — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:23:20 +0000

Sought-after NRL fullback Josh Dugan has commenced contract extension talks with Canberra but insists talk of a hot race for his signature beyond 2012 is not playing on his mind. The NSW State of Origin fullback comes off contract at the end of the year, with the Bulldogs and St George Illawarra among those said [...]

Article link: Canberra Raiders commence Josh Dugan talks. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Roos to front AFL code of conduct hearing

Crystal Ja — Wed, 25 May 2011 20:09:35 +0000

Former AFL coach Paul Roos will front a code of conduct hearing on Friday night after running onto the field during a Sydney junior match. Roos could face anything from a slap on the wrist to a suspension from junior games if the hearing finds against him. AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Wednesday [...]

Article link: Roos to front AFL code of conduct hearing. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Bulldogs start soul-searching after Swans loss

Crystal Ja — Sat, 07 May 2011 15:27:40 +0000

Just seven rounds into the AFL season might seem a bit early to be soul-searching for some but not for Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade. The coach is demanding answers after three tough, mentally-fatiguing and question-raising losses in a row. On Saturday, the ‘Dogs went down to Sydney 10.13 (73) to 10.5 (65) at Canberra’s [...]

Article link: Bulldogs start soul-searching after Swans loss. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

GWS Giants notches first premiership points

Crystal Ja — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 14:28:01 +0000

A solid if unspectacular performance by Israel Folau and Greater Western Sydney has seen them secure their first premiership points in the new North East Australian Football League. The Giants recorded a 16.13 (109) to 9.14 (68) win over Canberra-based side Ainslie at Ainslie Oval to kick off the NEAFL on Saturday. The new competition [...]

Article link: GWS Giants notches first premiership points. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Ashley-Cooper quits Brumbies to join Waratahs

Crystal Ja — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 16:57:50 +0000

Adam Ashley-Cooper says the Brumbies’ coaching dramas played no part in his defection to the Waratahs next Super Rugby season. The classy Wallabies utility finally put an end to the rumours of his departure on Tuesday by formally announcing a two-year deal with the Waratahs. Ashley-Cooper, with 51 Test caps to his name, insists personal [...]

Article link: Ashley-Cooper quits Brumbies to join Waratahs. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

GWS Giants in narrow loss as NAB Cup debut looms

Crystal Ja — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 14:34:46 +0000

The GWS Giants have lost their first AFL match – albeit a trial – after succumbing to a mishmash ACT outfit in the nation’s capital on Saturday. The youthful Giants were the victim of poor kicking, going down down 8.19 (67) to 12.7 (79) at Canberra’s Ainslie Oval on Saturday. The fledging GWS team held [...]

Article link: GWS Giants in narrow loss as NAB Cup debut looms. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Orford back in the game after signing with Raiders

Crystal Ja — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:00:29 +0000

On injury leave from his English club, Matt Orford was at Brookvale Oval in mid-2010 when the Raiders stole a surprise win over Manly that turned around their season. Watching on the sidelines, the Dally M-winning halfback decided there and then to turn his back on the Super League and make a return to Australia [...]

Article link: Orford back in the game after signing with Raiders. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Paine not feeling the heat

Crystal Ja — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:04:16 +0000

First-time skipper Tim Paine acknowledges that leading the Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval against England is an audition of sorts. But the man touted as a future Australian Test captain insists he is feeling no pressure. “It probably is a bit of an audition, but … that’s a long, long way away,” the [...]

Article link: Paine not feeling the heat. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

No Lleyton, no Sam, no worries at Games

Crystal Ja — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:01:50 +0000

Lleyton Hewitt and Sam Stosur are missing but that doesn’t mean Australia won’t win tennis medals at the Commonwealth Games. Australia’s team will be headed by Peter Luczak, Anastasia Rodionova, Paul Hanley and Sally Peers, who are expected to fare well in generally weak Delhi Games tournament fields which suggest the Commonwealth may be struggling [...]

Article link: No Lleyton, no Sam, no worries at Games. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

End of an era approaching for Australian squash

Crystal Ja — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 14:30:13 +0000

Squash legend David Palmer believes Australia is in danger of losing its long-held status as a major force internationally, with the next generation failing to produce. With the Australian Open beginning in Canberra on Tuesday – the first major international squash competition held Down Under in over a decade – he’s thrown the spotlight on [...]

Article link: End of an era approaching for Australian squash. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Bittersweet reunion as Hall hammers Swans

Crystal Ja — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:00:02 +0000

Everyone is happy Barry Hall is happy – or so says his former coach Paul Roos. But it would be easy to assume there was at least a twinge of regret when the Swans greeted their former forward in his new colours on Saturday. Against the Western Bulldogs, Sydney were put in their place by [...]

Article link: Bittersweet reunion as Hall hammers Swans. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Unhappy Brumbies ‘not working’, says Friend

Crystal Ja — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:30:44 +0000

On the record, Brumbies coach Andy Friend is taking a “wait and see” approach to the potential line-up for next week’s blockbuster Super 14 clash against the Waratahs. But given Friday night’s cruel 23-13 home loss against the Hurricanes and Friend’s own admission the current structure “wasn’t working”, he’s unintentionally hinted at some substantial changes. [...]

Article link: Unhappy Brumbies ‘not working’, says Friend. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Brumbies’ misery continues against Hurricanes

Crystal Ja — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:31:42 +0000

The Hurricanes continued their recent dominance over the Brumbies and kept their Super 14 finals hopes alive with a grinding 23-13 Super 14 victory at Canberra Stadium on Friday night. Claiming their fourth successive win over the ACT side, the Hurricanes also managed to avoid what would have been a record sixth-straight loss for the [...]

Article link: Brumbies’ misery continues against Hurricanes. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Tiger grit sees them through 35-22 win over Raiders

Crystal Ja — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 21:02:34 +0000

A half-time spray from coach Tim Sheens helped Wests Tigers come from behind to record a 35-22 NRL victory over Canberra at Canberra Stadium on Sunday. The Tigers trailed 22-10 at the interval and looked out for the count after an impressive opening 40 minutes from the Raiders. But a sudden turnaround, led by the [...]

Article link: Tiger grit sees them through 35-22 win over Raiders. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Raiders on the board after 22-14 win over Broncos

Crystal Ja — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:55:03 +0000

Canberra have withstood a late surge by Brisbane for a grinding 22-14 win in their Monday night clash at Canberra Stadium. The Raiders looked to have the Broncos’ measure and were up 18-0 at halftime before a resurgent Brisbane fought back in the second half. Two tries to superstar Israel Folau and another to Ben [...]

Article link: Raiders on the board after 22-14 win over Broncos. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Swans in best shape since 2003, says Roos

Crystal Ja — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 18:42:33 +0000

With buckets of young talent fighting for selection and its fittest squad in years, the Sydney Swans are anticipating a cracker start to their 2010 AFL campaign. Coach Paul Roos on the weekend declared the Swans were coming into the year with their best lead-up preparation in almost a decade. Ahead of their round one [...]

Article link: Swans in best shape since 2003, says Roos. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Saints make it 10 wins over Dees

Crystal Ja — Sat, 30 May 2009 21:00:37 +0000

St Kilda overcame early Melbourne resistance to remain unbeaten atop the AFL ladder after a 37-point victory over the Demons at the Gold Coast Stadium on Saturday. St Kilda, playing for their 10th consecutive win, were kept honest by a valiant Demons outfit to be in front by just eight points at halftime, before skipping [...]

Article link: Saints make it 10 wins over Dees. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Carlton needs to mature: Ratten

Crystal Ja — Sun, 10 May 2009 22:33:55 +0000

Blues coach Brett Ratten says complacency and immaturity could threaten Carlton’s chances of success this season following a second nail-biting AFL defeat in as many weeks. Carlton went down by seven points to Fremantle 13.10 (88) to 11.15 (81) on the Gold Coast on Saturday, letting slip another game they could have won after bridging [...]

Article link: Carlton needs to mature: Ratten. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Fremantle extend winning streak to three over Carlton

Crystal Ja — Sat, 09 May 2009 19:57:19 +0000

Fremantle have held off a fast-finishing Carlton for a dogged seven-point victory on the Gold Coast to record their third successive victory. The Dockers, in control for most of the match, led by 22 points early in the final term, before two goals from Carlton cut the deficit in half. However, the Blues squandered two [...]

Article link: Fremantle extend winning streak to three over Carlton. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Gold Coast’s entry into 2011 AFL competition in the bag

Crystal Ja — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:24:25 +0000

The Gold Coast’s entry into the AFL in 2011 is all but assured following a $36 million pledge from the federal government to help build its new stadium. Federal infrastructure minister Anthony Albanese on Thursday announced the government would fill the funding gap for the revamped 25,000-seat stadium at Carrara, clearing the way for a [...]

Article link: Gold Coast’s entry into 2011 AFL competition in the bag. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Gold Coast’s new AFL team gets serious

Crystal Ja — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:11:11 +0000

Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff believes the race is already on to stop the AFL newcomers signing up a swag of the competition’s established stars ahead of their 2011 debut. With its provisional licence to join the competition and funding concerns over the $120 million stadium out of the way, the new club has been [...]

Article link: Gold Coast’s new AFL team gets serious. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Scott Prince sticks with Titans

Crystal Ja — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 17:16:54 +0000

Scott Prince is the king of the Gold Coast, with the Titans co-captain writing his own lifetime contract that will see him retire with the NRL club. Prince signed a four-year contract extension with the Titans on Wednesday, keeping him on the Gold Coast until the end of 2014. The 29-year-old will be 34 when [...]

Article link: Scott Prince sticks with Titans. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Titans kiss and make up with Friend

Crystal Ja — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 22:47:14 +0000

In-form hooker Nathan Friend says he’s “stoked” to have signed a fresh two-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans, which puts an end to eight months of negotiations. The 28-year-old rake is guaranteed on the tourist strip until the end of the 2011 season and likely to end his NRL career there after re-signing. It’s [...]

Article link: Titans kiss and make up with Friend. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Big stadium a big hurdle for GC17

Crystal Ja — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 17:53:03 +0000

Two things stand between the Gold Coast and its new AFL team – a 25,000-seat stadium and the mountain of money needed to build it. Gold Coast mayor Ron Clarke has urged the AFL to seek alternate investors after what he says is a lukewarm response from the Queensland government. The AFL needs to jointly [...]

Article link: Big stadium a big hurdle for GC17. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Heal calls final time out

Crystal Ja — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:20:59 +0000

Australian basketball great Shane Heal will end a glittering 21-year career with two consecutive wooden spoons, but the four-time Olympian has no regrets. The 38-year-old is playing his last ever basketball game on Saturday after a lengthy career spanning two decades and stints with at least nine different clubs, both at home and abroad. Among [...]

Article link: Heal calls final time out. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

V8s welcome A1 to the Gold Coast

Crystal Ja — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:43:42 +0000

V8 Supercars boss Tony Cochrane says the adoption of the foreign A1GP series on the Gold Coast will set the race apart from any in Australia. The Europe-based league, dubbed the World Cup of motor sport, will take to track at the famous Gold Coast motor race next year as a replacement to the IndyCar [...]

Article link: V8s welcome A1 to the Gold Coast. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

A1GP a tourism boost

Crystal Ja — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:07:59 +0000

Gold Coast tourism will be the beneficiary of the new deal struck for its famous motor car race following the loss of the IndyCar series in October. A new deal confirmed on Saturday will see the burgeoning A1GP series racing on the Gold Coast in Indy’s stead for at least the next five years, receiving [...]

Article link: A1GP a tourism boost. Written by Crystal Ja, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion