On the field, the roar of Lankan lions might have been muted by the back-to-back humiliating defeats in the Test series against Australia. But off the field, the roar of one lion has definitely sent shock waves through the veins of Sri Lankan Cricket Board. I am referring to  recent outburst of Marvan Atapattu towards the national selectors, for the team's 'lack of bench strength'.

"Muppets headed by a joker." The words were maybe a bit harsh. Many might dismiss his outburst as untimely and unwarranted. Firstly, after staying almost two years on the sidelines due to injury and differences of opinion with the board, the Lankan batting ace was on a comeback trail. Secondly, the 37-year-old stalwart is one of the most senior and respected members in the team alongside Sanath Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan. So his public outcry against the selectors could seem 'immature'. Thirdly, the man who had had a glorious international career over a decade, could have bid adieu in a much more dignified manner, without creating any controversy.

But I believe that an intelligent cricketer can be an intelligent human being. We might not know the reasons for Atapattu's comments but surely he would have been aware of the controversy they would cause when he uttered them. He had never been a controversial figure on or off the field, like Shoaib Akthar or Shane Warne. And which cricketer with an ounce of common sense would invite the wrath of  selectors after two long years in the wilderness? And which sportsman would deliberately attempt to mess up his farewell party?

'Hats off to this courageous lion who had the guts to say what he said in public'

So hats off to this courageous lion who had the guts to say what he said in public. The team's insufficient bench strength is indeed a worrying factor for Sri Lankan cricket. Too much dependence on old war horses had been and is still the order of the day. Although the selectors can boast of their recent fast bowling sensation, Lasith Malinga, the attack is still headed by 35-year-old Vaas.

Only time will tell what will happen to the spin attack after Murali decides to call it a day. It will be virtually impossible for the selectors to find another Jayasuriya, when the dazzling all rounder quits the arena. Bench strength is a feature that differentiates Australia from others and enables them to be successful in overcoming the demanding schedule of modern-day cricket.

It's high time the selectors gave some serious thought to life after the seniors. For that they have to believe in young talent and encourage and groom them. As Greg Chappell said: "One-day cricket is a young man's game."