Sanath Jayasuriya

Sanath Jayasuriya

Date of Birth: 30 June 1969, Matara  Test Debut: Against New Zealand at Hamilton in 1990/91  ODI Debut: Against Australia at Melbourne in 1989/90  Bats: Left Hand Bat  Bowls: Slow Left Arm Orthodox

Sanath Jayasuriya, the elder statesman of Sri Lankan team, is an aggressive opening batsman and is capable of hitting a wide range of strokes and can always be relied on to give a quick start to his side. Apart from his batting and bowling abilities he is also a good fielder.

In fact, Jayasuriya was crowned Player of the tournament in the 1996 World Cup. Born in Matara on June 30, 1969, Jayasuriya had no background in cricket. His father, Dunstan, worked in the Urban Council in Dondra while his brother Chandana works with the Fisheries Department.

He first opened the bat for his side in 1995-96 against Australia when Roshan Mahanama got injured. He scored a hundred and then a fifty, and ever since has remained an opener. With opening partner Romesh Kaluwitharana, Jayasuriya, for the first time, introduced a game plan where the first 15 overs were used as the last 15 to achieve a staggering total. Jayasuriya was voted the 'Most Valuable Player' in the World Cup.

A useful orthodox left-arm spinner, Jayasuriya was appointed captain of the national side after the sacking of Arjuna Ranatunga in 1999 and proved a successful, consensual leader during a four-year tenure that ended voluntarily after the 2003 World Cup.

He has scored 9729 runs in one day internationals with his his highest score being 189.