Thunderbolts can be expected on Boxing day

I wish all the touring teams were as accommodating as the 'baggy shirts'. Now before I go any further just let me explain why I refer to our visitors as such. It's not difficult really. Simply, for their names to be displayed on the back of their one-day outfits, the shirts obviously have to be baggy!

Now, these Sri Lankans have only been in South Africa for just over 2 weeks but they have been outstanding ambassadors. During their first match I interviewed them for Extra Cover and they could not have been more accommodating. During that game it was a delight for me to witness their interaction with the Pirates Street Kids, a homeless childrens' initiative, during that game and I could clearly see they were touched by the excitement of these youngsters as they spent ample time answering question after question. If only all tourists could follow this example.

One thing that is coming across loud and clear upon spending time with these guys is that they are very polite, humble individuals who are only too aware they have an obligation to the public to entertain. Once again, what a pity others don't follow this example. They were bitterly disappointed to lose the first two one-day games, particularly the second as they didn't entertain or compete.

Full marks must be given to their coaching and management team for instilling these endearing qualities. Dav Whatmore is one of the nice guys of the world game. He was the all-conquering coach when the 'baggy shirts' set the game alight during their victorious World Cup campaign in 1996. They successfully rewrote the format of the one-day game with their remarkable onslaught inside the first 15 overs that took everyone by surprise. Back to Dav, he has a very interesting pedigree. He was born in Sri Lanka but he spent most of his life in Australia playing admirably for Victoria in the then Sheffield Shield as a hard gritty opening batsman. He remarkably made his first class debut at the Wanderers in the mid 70's during a Derrick Robins tour and also represented Australia at Test level.

He has a very sound game ethic and a realistic outlook regarding his charges. Deep down he doesn't expect to dominate away from home but is extremely keen to ensure his team gets stuck in and competes in South Africa, at the same time providing the crowds with the excitement they are known for. I'm sure I join everyone, except of course the South African team, in hoping this is exactly the tone of the tour.

They haven't started well but I am a firm believer that the brains trust will not allow them to slide on a downward spiral and that plenty of hard work will be done behind the scenes.

The most challenging hurdle that they will face over the next 2 months will be their ability to adapt to the bounce of the South African wickets. When the fixtures were announced, it came as no surprise to anyone that the venues for the Tests were three of the most challenging surfaces in South Africa. The early life that Kingsmead, Newlands and SuperSport Park will provide will be a daunting task for the Sri Lankan engine room. Its up to them to do the homework beforehand to ensure Dav's goal is reached.

The South African team have long memories of the pitches that were provided for their recent tour of Sri Lanka and they will be champing at the bit to unleash their thunderbolts and serve up a few unwanted belated Xmas presents come Boxing day.

In fact, the 26th of December may well be a very appropriately named day!