Cricketing legend ready to hit Durban curries for a six | Jayasuriya in South Africa

Sri Lankan cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya, who recently joined the Nashua Dolphins as an opening batsman, is looking forward to sampling Durban’s famous bunny chow.

The 39-year-old left-hander , who is contracted to play for the Dolphins until February next year, said he had not yet had time to explore the city but was eager to tuck into the local cuisine.

Jayasuriya, rated among the world’s top batsmen, said he was confident that he could handle Durban’s spicy curries.

“I eat spicy food at home, so I’m sure I can handle the curry here,” he said.

He compared Durban to his home town of Colombo, saying the two cities were similar.

“Both cities are situated on the coastline, the climate is very similar and the people are very friendly.”

He will soon be joined by his wife and three children.

“It is difficult for them to join me now, but as soon as the school term is over, they will come.”

He said that after the Dolphins’ defeat by the Eagles and the Highveld Lions, they planned to up their game against the Titans on Wednesday.

He will not be part of the Dolphins’ Champions League squad for the forthcoming fixtures in India because of his contract with the Indian Premier League’s Mumbai Indians.

The Dolphins will be leaving for Bangalore next month to take part in the Champions League T20 with the Free State Eagles. They will play against the finalists from the Indian Premier League and Australia.

Jayasuriya joined Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar at the crease as teammates of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. “That was a very good experience for me. It was the match against the Chennai Super Kings, and I had the opportunity to bat with one of the best batsmen of our time. We batted well and scored runs. It was a good game.”

The Times : Nov 23, 2008