Mendis, who was in the Capital in connection with the launching of a cricket academy, said, ``I strongly feel that cricket is natural only in the present form. I will always prefer old and natural turf. Cricket should not be made artificial.''

Asked whether it was a move to push back the cricketing nations of the sub-continent, he said, ``I am unaware of the idea and motive behind any such move, but I would certainly not subscribe to it.'' About the prospects of the Sri Lankans to retain their status in the World Cup to be held in England next year, he replied, ``There could be some hiccups to start with, but I am confident that the Sri Lankans would make it. They have all batting, bowling and fielding armourry in them which placed them ahead of others,'' Mendis said.

Supporting the move of Sri Lanka and India to appoint foreign coaches, Mendis said, ``It was a correct move as it gives us an opportunity to develop the game more scientifically.''