I would say it's a miracle, says Kaluwitharana

Flambuoyant wicket-keeper batsman Romesh Kaluwitharana has experienced a week of churning emotions. Just days ago he despaired that his international career was over but yesterday he left for Australia filled with fresh hope.

The selectors inexplicable decision to omit him from a provisional 30-man squad prompted outrage in the media. Kaluwitharana was rightly axed after Sri Lanka's tour of England for his inconsistencies but surely he remained in the top 30 cricketers in the country.

With Sri Lanka's top order faring so abysmally in South Africa and Kaluwitharana scoring runs heavily in the domestic one-day competition for Colts Cricket Club the selectors were forced into a dramatic u-turn.

His participation in the tour was confirmed only hours before the team's departure to Australia when the Minister of Sport was assured that he could be accommodated in Sri Lanka's final 15-man squad for the World Cup despite his earlier omission.

As the team bade tearful farewells to relatives and friends, Kalu bubbled with delight, that characteristic smile spilt wide across his cheeks.

"It has been a dream come true.I would say it is a miracle," said Kalu. "Seven days a go I was nowhere but now I am back in the side with a chance of going to the World Cup if I grab this opportunity."

"I am looking forward to the challenge.this is a very good opportunity for me. I was very disappointed to have been left out of the 30-man squad for the World Cup but now I am very happy."

But Kalu is under pressure. The 33-year-old, who has scored 3463 runs at 22.20 during his 177-match career, knows that he has to perform in Sri Lanka 's opening three matches of the VB Series.

The players have all signed contracts valid only until December 22, a clear signal that the three-man selection will act ruthlessly should players fail with the World Cup now fast approaching.

"Australia have been a very good side for some time now and it is going to be very tough - but it is a challenge that I am looking forward to," he said. "I have to make the maximum from this opportunity."

Fortunately, Kalu will travel to Australia with fond memories. Unlike the majority of Sri Lanka's top order, the right-hander averages more overseas than at home, thriving on the quick wickets with his back foot game.

He averages a healthy 32.72 in Australia after 11 games, statistics that provided heavy ammunition to the selector's critics. Even in South Africa where the World Cup is to be staged he averages a reasonable 29.

Most of Kalu's runs have been scored as an opener and he will now, rightly, resume his opening partnership with Sanath Jayasuriya, a marriage that first flowered in Australia seven years ago.

"Sanath and I started batting together in Australia back in 1995 just before the World Cup and it proved a successful partnership," he reminisces. "I am looking to repeat that this time."

During those carefree early years, when Sri Lanka possessed a towering batting line-up, Kalu's batting knew only one style: all out attack. It endeared him to fans but came at a price: inconsistency.

Eventually, the axe had to fall. Sri Lanka can no longer afford to sacrifice early wickets in the search for quick runs. Regular success requires consistent run scoring and the top order had to place a higher price on their wickets.

Kalu claims to have adapted to those demands, increasing his productivity with improved shot selection. This seasons domestic stats - albeit against weak opposition - back this up.

He has scored 450 runs at an average of 112.5, which is over 200 runs more than the second highest run scorer. There have also been five half centuries in seven games.

"I used to go after the bowling right from the start but I believe that my shot selection is much better now and I am a changed batter compared to my early days," he says. "I am feeling very good at the moment and very confident."

Sri Lanka fans will dearly hope that he can replicate that form in Australia. The team desperately needs an injection of confidence after a poor tour of South Africa - could the new Kalu provide the necessary spark?