Sambit's point.

http://blogs.cricinfo.com/fromeditor/archives/2009/08/how_good_is_samaraweera.php

Sambit Bal questions inflating averages of Thilana Samarweera and the SL readers pounce upon him. Fair enough.

They also leach Indian batsmen. Not fair.

Problem is well known. Less tests abroad, more home. More against weaker teams. An Indian series happens in 7 yrs, an Australian series in 6 years and South African series in 4 years. In Sri Lanka.

They tour England, India, Australia rarely. They toured India in 1982, 1987, 1990 and 1994. And then in 1997 and finally in 2005. Australia -- 1995, 2004, 2007. Look at the gaps. And in 1995.

Contrast that with Pakistan. 2003, 2006 and 2009. Pakistan isnt a Test force it was when it had Ws and Inzys.

Or Bangladesh. Frequent tours from BD and to BD. And for that matter check SL record in India. 8 losses in 14 Tests and 9 wins, 21 losses in ODIs in India :)

How would this batsmen get a chance to prove their worth in all conditions.

You cant compare a Samarweera, Jaywardhena, Sangakara to a Ponting, Lara, Inzy, Tendulkar or Dravid.

Last lot of batsmen got runs in all conditions. Didnt they ?