A consistent performer — made the Sri Lankan skipper in the aftermath of World Cup 2003 — Marvan Atapattu has played many valuable innings for the team.
His ability to graft an innings as well as score runs have made him an ideal opening partner for Sanath Jayasuriya in one-day internationals.
But he started with a thud. He scored 1 run in five innings against India and Australia and was left out by the selectors. He was recalled in the national team in 1997. And he has never looked back since.
His second stint was remarkable. Atapattu scored a century against the Indians at Mohali to announce his return to form. Later, he scored 223 against Zimbabwe. Atapattu peaked in the 1997 Asia Cup and later, when the Indians came visiting, he notched up his first century. Atapattu topped the aggregates for Sri Lanka in the 1999 World Cup.
Playing with a correct technique, his timing is superb and hits effortlessly. His performance is not limited to one-dayers only. In Tests too, Atapattu has played some handy innings too.