Eastern Riders led by star Sri Lankan players beat Western Challengers to win inaugural Olam Cup

Captain Sanath Jayasuriya receiving Inaugural Cup from Singapore President S R Nathan.

Sanath Jayasuriya hits one out of the ground.

SINGAPORE: The Eastern Riders, led by their star Sri Lankan players, won the inaugural IAT20 Super Challenge Olam Cup in Singapore on Sunday.

Four teams competed in the two-day event at the Indian Association grounds, and the Eastern Riders and the Western Challengers made it to the finals.

Fans lapped up world-class cricket on display as the two teams fought it out.

Batting first, the Challengers posted 189 runs for 8, setting a 190 target for their opponents to chase.

The Riders got off to a bad start when their biggest batsman, Sanath Jayasuriya, was out for 6.

Youngster Irfan Nasir caught the Sri Lankan star after Tom Harrison bowled.

But his compatriot, Upul Tharanga, took off where he left and the Riders charged ahead to finish on 190 runs for 6 to clinch victory.

President SR Nathan, who enjoyed watching the sport in his younger days, was on hand to present the trophy and the winning cheque of $15,000.

Organisers claim it has been a long time since they have seen such a large paying crowd at a cricket event as the Olam Cup.

And here's more good news - bigger-name stars are being planned to make their appearances in the next editions of the Olam Cup in 2011 and 2012.

Jayasuriya & Tharanga to play for Eastern Riders, Singapore

Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga will play for the Eastern Riders, Singapore

Sri Lankan international players Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga will play for the Eastern Riders along with the Southern Kings, Western Challengers, Northern Spice Devils team in the inaugural Indian Association Twenty20 Super Challenge here in Singapore.

ONE of India's richest men, Dr Bhupendra Kumar Modi wants to put a fast spin on the local cricket scene by forking out about $50,000 to sponsor the Northern Spice Devils team, which will include Pakistani international player Taufiq Umar, in a tournament here from Jan 29-31.

"The international players in our team are going to be names which everybody have heard of - Sanath Jayasuriya who's a master blaster and we have got this upcoming guy Upul Tharanga who is also in the Sri Lankan team," said Sunder Mani, captain of Eastern Riders (Olam Cup).

"We've got Saad Khan, the promising fast bowler from Pakistan and we are getting Taufiq Umar from Pakistan," said Munish Arora, Northern Spice Devils (Olam Cup).

But it's not all about big names, as the younger players too will gain valuable exposure.

"We are gearing up very well. We have about seven national team players who represented Singapore so we have been training really hard for the tournament," said Buddhika Mendis, captain of Southern Kings (Olam Cup).

The organisers hope the event will also bring the community together.

"The focus is on the Indian community. We do have different sections of the community, but the common thread is all of them love cricket, and all of them play cricket. That provides a platform where all these different communities can come together with a common passion," said Murali Pany, chairman of Board of Games, Indian Association.

Sharing that passion with them is President SR Nathan who will be the guest-of-honour.

In addition to winning the cup, $25,000 will be offered as prize money, with the winning team pocketing $15,000.

The event will be held for the next two years but beyond the Olam Cup, Singapore cricket has big plans. The national team has already engaged a new coach, former Sri Lankan Team Captain and the 1996 World Cup winning team member, Marvan Atapattu

• Also Read : Sanath, Tharanga lead Eastern Riders to win inaugural Olam Cup

Factor of “Sanath Jayasuriya” in the Political Arena

Sanath Teran Jayasuriya-a Master Blaster can be considered as Youth icon ,celebrity and “a man coming with village and did(still doing) Miracles in the world of cricket”.

Sri Lankans go crazy whenever the “Matara Mauler” walks into the pitch.He used to hold a very distinctive record almost never to be achieved by a single cricket player. He held the fastest fifty (against Pakistan 17 balls) and fastest 150 (against England in 95 balls) in ODI cricket.

The most enchanting moment of Master Blaster Jayasuriya’s career was in 1996 when Sri Lanka team emerged champions of the World Cup tournament in the sub continent, beating Australia by seven wickets in the final played in Lahore on March 17, 1996. Jayasuriya had a rich harvest during the 1996 World Cup to be adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

This efforts won him the prestigious Wisden Cricketer of the Year award the following year.In Test also He Scored 6973 runs with one triple century, three double centuries, 14 centuries and 31 fifties. His highest score was 340 against India in Premadasa Stadium,Sri Lanka.

People do admiring Sanath not only because of his batting but because he stands as “Sana from matara”. The uniqueness in Jayasuriya’s exemplary career has been his humbleness. Though he is the only player to score more than 13,000 runs and capture more than 300 wickets in one day internationals, he is still the very same Jayasuriya who used to travel to Colombo by bus from Matara with his heavy cricket baggage during the early part of his career.

Why “Sanath Jayasuriya” factor is important in this time? People will say because of his cricket. Yes. But more importantly he indeed can be considered as a cricketer of a “common man” Who came from the village. Why rural sector is importance? Rural sector represented the 75% of the population in Sri Lanka. So the ratio between rural and urban is 75:25! Some argued that this time the village will be the decisive factor to win the election.

As a celebrity Sanath can be considered as most famous figure throughout the world. Especially young cricketers try to imitate the unique batting style of Sanath which can be considered as “Sanath’s special”. Even in india still some people know Sri Lanka because of Jayasuriya!!”.He is the first cricketer to be appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador (by UNAIDS, Geneva) for his commitment to prevention of HIV/AIDS among young people in Sri Lanka .If you type Sanath Jayasuriya in Google(one of the popular search engine in the internet) you can find out 273,000 pages as result!

Cricketers supporting to particular political parties is not uncommon in South Asian countries. In Sri Lanka we got players like Arjuna Rantunga, Hashan Thillakarathne etc. Arjuna’s entry into politics was not a miracle .He is from the family (family of Ranatunga) is famous for politics. In India also we can see players like Navjot Singh Sidhu (who was elected to the Lok Sabha as the member from Amritsar in 2004 on a BJP ticket; he later resigned, following his conviction for culpable homicide, however the Supreme Court of India stayed his conviction. He successfully contested the Amritsar Lok Sabha seat, defeating his Congress rival, State Finance Minister Surinder Singla, by 77,626 votes).

Ex-captain Mohammad Azharuddin, is also presently a member of Indian parliament. He represents the Moradabad constituency of Uttar Pradesh and is a member of the Indian National Congress.

World cup wining captain of Pakistan, Imran Khan can be considered as most influential politician who played cricket in the last decades. Khan founded and became the chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (Movement for Justice), a small and marginal political party, of which he is the only member ever elected to Parliament. He represented Mianwali as a member of the National Assembly from November 2002 to October 2007.

Some people like to draw parallel between Imran and Arjuna because both of them can be considered as world-cup wining captains. But some political analysts were in the view that that both were already failed in politics (anyway this was subject to certain arguments).

Cricket is always like a religion in countries like Sri Lanka. Players like Sanath can be considered as opinion leaders for the fans as well as for the general public. He has an edge over others because of his unique style, approach and humbleness, Still it is too immature to anticipate that Sanath will contest for the election. But “the factor of Sanath Jayasuriya” cannot be neglected in political arena (like in Cricket).


( Source )

Jayasuriya in signing controversy

Kalighat or Mohun Bagan ?

Kolkata, Jan 15 :Veteran Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya Friday courted controversy after it was found that he has signed for two clubs simultaneously in the ongoing CAB league and knock-out tournaments.
The matter came to light Friday, the last day of players’ registration, when Jayasuriya’s name was found in the lists of both clubs.

Sources said the Sri Lankan player had opted to sign for Kalighat after initially giving his consent to turn out for Mohun Bagan.

A Cricket Association of Bengal official said Jayasuriya may be asked to explain the reasons for the fiasco. “We may seek explanation from the clubs also.”

Both the clubs have decided to withdraw Jayasuriya’s name from their list to defuse the crisis.

(Source)

[VIDEO] Sanath Jayasuriya at Chivas Fashion Show, Mumbai 2010

Sanath Jayasuriya endorses President Mahinda Rajapaksa [VIDEO]

Renowned Cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya yesterday said that it was an obligation of the people of Ambalangoda as well as of the entire country to cast their votes on January 26 for President Mahinda Rajapaksa who created a peaceful and fearless environment for people to travel around and live in safely.

He made this observation at a rally held in Ambalanagoda appearing in a political stage for the first time.

Jayasuriya addressing the rally said it was a moment of pleasure to address the people in Ambalangoda in a political stage for the first time.

Commending the President’s brave measure to eliminate LTTE terrorism from the country, Jayasuriya stated that he travelled from Matara to Colombo and back in fear for life before the LTTE was eradicated from the country.

He also stated that President brought relief to the nation and now any cricket team in the world was willing to come to Sri Lanka to play. The time is ripe for the tourism industry as well.

(Source)

[VIDEO] Sanath Jayasuriya honored by President Mahinda Rajapaksha | Recieves Golden Award

For details Click on This report published earlier with Images

- Sanath Jayasuriya, Muralitharan honoured

Jayasuriya turns showstopper at Mumbai fashion show

Mumbai, Jan 10 : The swashbuckling Sri Lankan cricketer, Sanath Jayasuriya, walked the ramp in a creation of designer Wendell Rodricks during Mumbai fashion show.

The occasion was the launch of the Chivas Studio in India, a chain of global luxury brand items from the house of Chivas Regal.

Goa designer Wendell Rodricks presented his collection 'On the Wings', with garments layered with feathered strokes and breezy fabrics.

Models stood tall and pretty in the designer's collection, which was inspired by birds and had a colour palette consisting of only white.

Using a variety of fabrics from cotton and silk to paper and latex, the designer played with the garments unconventionally.

The showstopper for the evening was not a Bollywood celebrity, but the veteran Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya who walked the ramp in style wearing an elegant suit designed by Wendell.

The cricketer praised the designer for his collection after the show.

"It is very nice and comfortable to wear all these. That's the way his clothes have always been. So I love to wear his clothes," said Jayasuriya.

On asked whether he was nervous before walking the ramp, Jayasuriya said, "I was a bit nervous but Wendell Rodricks briefed me everything before."

The occasion also saw the participation of celebrated artistes from various fields like music, fashion, photography and others.

(Source)

Leave Jayasuriya out at your peril

Sanath Jayasuriya is the icon of Sri Lankan cricket.

When the swashbuckling left-hander first came on the scene it was clear he would develop into the colossus the rest of the team would be built around. The quick pace with which he scored was thrilling for its technique and grit.

As the years went by the way in which he wielded the willow brought recognition and triumphs at the highest international levels. His team, and it was his team, was something to be reckoned with.

The World Cup win in 1996 will go down in Sri Lanka history and it was Jayasuriya – who rose to global prominence at this time – who led the way with his dashing stands as an opening batsman.

Sri Lankans go crazy whenever the “Matara Mauler” walks into the pitch but there is a fear creeping in that, comparative to the glory days, he is failing to show as much drive as he once did.

There are two things it would appear to be: either age or, as all cricketers go through at some point, an extended bad patch that he must surely turn around in the near future? But the burning question, and one that burns brighter by the day, is whether this Sri Lanka cricketing idol should be overlooked for the 2011 World Cup?

With so many young cricketers either in the team or knocking on the door, the Sri Lanka selectors must start to get clear in their minds just who they will task with bringing back the trophy.

Jayasuriya was always the all-rounder they could depend on. A spin bowler, a remarkable power batsman and a brilliant fielder: this was a men who you would never leave out of a line-up.

His failure during the recent one-day series and Twenty20s is of grave concern but should it really matter? Would the responsibility of leading the way at a world tournament not bring out the best of him and the team? On one side of the coin, his retirement from Test cricket did not make a dent in the overall performance of the team. The flip side is that even his biggest critics would admit that when he is not plating well he stil brings out the best in others. This is vital in the short form of the game.


There is no doubt Jayasuriya hasn’t been his usual self in T20s and ODIs for a while.

The slippery slope began when he was demoted from the opener’s slot to play as a middle-order batsman.

It is not just with bat and ball. In a recent T20 againt India, Jayasuriya misjudged a high catch off Virender Sehwag, which cost Sri Lanka dearly. India won by successfully chasing a score of 206.

He has made no significant contribution with the bat in the last few months and has been in and out of the side.

But there is nothing that any retiring sportsman wants more than a decent farewell and it is my opinion that Jayasuriya will be so determined to make that happen he should be given the chance to go to the 2011 World Cup.

Even if he makes 30 with the bat it will be done so rapidly it will lift the side. These emerging cricketers need experienced leaders to help them along and he has done it all.

Some of the class of ‘96, including Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva, faced scorn from fans and the media for their subsequent performance and the same fate shouldn’t befall Jayasuriya

At 40 he is the oldest of the gladiators in the cricketing world and he could solve the selection problems by retiring before the World Cup.

But I’m sure none of his fans would thank him for that and them, and myself, are hoping he will be the anchor of the side from this year and into next.

( Article by Amith Passela - Source)

Trevor Bayliss talks tough on Sanath Jayasuriya's prospects

Trevor Bayliss: 'As Sanath Jayasuriya has himself said on record, he is a spinning allrounder now.'

Trevor Bayliss, the Sri Lanka coach, has said Sanath Jayasuriya is unlikely to be picked as a specialist opener and will have to force his way in as a spinning allrounder if he is to play the 2011 World Cup.

"As Jayasuriya has himself said on record, he is a spinning allrounder now," Bayliss said. "If he keeps performing and putting pressure on others, he can always get in. It's up to him and what pressure he can put on the others in the team."

Jayasuriya didn't make the cut for the tri-nation tournament in Bangladesh, beginning Monday, and in a recent interview to Cricinfo, he said the team management should send a clear message to him about his future.

"The biggest challenge is to play the 2011 World Cup," Jayasuriya said. "Obviously if the team management wants to send me a message they should be clear about that to me, as they have been in the past.

"I am only thinking of five ODIs at a time, and if I can perform in three out those five, I'm right on track for the next World Cup."

The re-emergence of opener Upul Tharanga, it appears, has helped Sri Lanka firm up their plans for the World Cup. "Tharanga has played really well in the last series against India," Bayliss said. "His and Dilshan's opening partnership looks good for the World Cup."

Like Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene too, hasn't been in great form in the ODIs, but Bayliss said it wasn't a big concern to the team as it perhaps was to Mahela himself.

"It's a concern to Mahela and he himself would acknowledge that he has not been scoring much runs in ODIs," Bayliss said. "But he is too good a player to miss out for long. Our top three have been doing well and so perhaps there has not been enough chances for Mahela to score. But, he is not here in this series because of an injury he picked up in India; he might make an appearance some time later on the tour."

(Source)

When the Sanath's go marching in

 I want to be in that number. Who wouldn’t want to open with Sanath – Atapattu aside, I can’t think of anyone.

Just look back, they say it’s twenty years of Sanath Jayasuriya, I say it’s more than that. At least 40. Then they say that’s his age, but I say he’s been playing international cricket ever since he was a little cricket nymph. Bonking balls over third man till there was no man in sight; Sanath is the man who made averages redundant; he’s the guy who gave strike rates a new meaning in one day cricket. He made an average of 30 inconsequential because it came at a strike rate of 90.

It’s taken Indian cricket a decade to decode that – through Sehwag’s slump, they spoke of his 20s and 30s; not once did they mention his stratospheric strike rate. The media which sucks up to Sehwag now, are the same guys who did him in a few years back – when it came down to a toss-up between Ganguly and Sehwag, they conveniently positioned Dada’s 10k runs against Viru’s lesser numbers.

Talking of numbers, I’m going to toss Sanath’s ODI numbers alongside Viru’s – their batting averages are similar (32 and 34); strike rates (91.2 and 102.9). While Sanath’s 91 is snappy, seeing as he’s been playing since Sachin (1989); the 100 plus is Sehwag’s ode to one day cricket in the 2000s. Indian cricket though, refused to look beyond the 30 something average; must make them happy it’s shot up from 32 to 34 in the last year or so.

Now chew on the bowling numbers: identical strike rates of 46. This is how it works: Sanath strikes every 46 balls, and as if in solidarity so does Sehwag. Economies are on the higher side, but then if they like smashing bowlers, there’s no reason they won’t want to get smashed themselves: each ball’s a tequila-shot for these guys.

While Sanath stops, hops, bowls, claps for the ball to be returned for a possible run-out; Sehwag resembles one of those canny kids bowling off spin in a Dilli maidan. I can go on about their bowling averages (36 and 40), economies, but frankly there’s no point to it. One bowls much less than the other; plus there are always some ribald jokes to be had. Hats off!

(Source - by Naked Cricket - BCC!)

Adieu great ol’ pal Sanath Jayasuriya

It was only the other day that the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya completed twenty years in International cricket and as it stands, he has played 110 Tests and 444 ODI games and a countless no of other games around the world. 

He has played other than Sri Lanka and the local domestic teams, for the Dolphins, The MCC, The Mumbai Indians and Somerset! I wonder whether there is another cricketer hailing from this tiny Island who has done so much and who has been sought after so much in the game of cricket. I thought it was only fitting when another great the Indian Sachin Tendulkar who himself completed 20 years in International cricket stated that “I have not seen Bradman bat but have seen Jayasuriya bat”. He also adds that Jayasuriya was possibly the best batsman of his time. Extremely high praise when you consider some of the names that played with him and against him. Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting, Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh just to name a few!

It was never an easy ride for Sanath born 30th June 1969 in Matara, an under-privileged territory then when compared to the more affluent Colombo. And after a tough baptism in school cricket to come over to the capital and to stamp his class was a no mean achievement by itself.

It wouldn’t have ever been easy considering the economic, social and other challenges he would have faced! I am not surprised if he even considered throwing in the towel and returning to Matara and indulge in some other profession or passion. This has been the ride and his story even in cricket! Always up against it, be it at home or abroad against the best of the bowlers or some element looking to chop him! Sanath has lived up to his forte! And that has been hard work, dedication and never-say-die attitude! Both on and off the field!

The result he has derived is unprecedented up to now and it is highly unlikely ever to be surpassed. The runs and wickets he has had in every form of the game has been worth their weight in gold as I wonder whether there has been another player who has won so many games for Sri Lanka be it in batting or bowling. Sanath Jayasuriya has been a legend in every sense of the word!

Back to his cricket, one remembers how he announced himself with two back-to-back double hundreds in Pakistan when Sri Lanka A toured that country in the mid eighties. Then it was Australia in the mid nineties under Arjuna Ranatunga. And without an iota of doubt that was where the real Jayasuriya was born! Given the unaccustomed role as an opener Jayasuriya’s blitz was something the world was not prepared for and had never seen before. In the company of Romesh Kaluwitharana, Jayasuriya revolutionized the first ten overs in ODI cricket. On the way bowlers of the caliber of Philip De Freitas of England and Manoj Prabhakar of India were hit out of cricket and many others far too numerous to mention were embarrassed as Sri Lanka marched to cricketing glory in 1996 with Jayasuriya the fitting most valuable player.

What happened next was a fairy tale episode! Jayasuriya was scoring a mountain of runs which included his epic 340 against India and the bowlers around the world were still shell-shocked and plotting his downfall. However as usual there was only one winner in those many contests and that was Jayasuriya. Having honed his skills and the technique in keeping with the demand of the modern day game Jayasuriya just kept going unstoppable and at times unbelievable! I also wonder whether there has been any other cricketer from Sri Lanka who has been such a hit amongst everybody! From world leaders to top business tycoons and the ordinary folk as well as the media has always had Sanath Jayasuriya as a top favourite and the most wanted to meet and speak irrespective when and where. Even today Jayasuriya attracts attention in whatever company he may be or how important the others around him may be! He has the people and the world in awe with his influence be it with either the bat or ball or off the field.
Sanath Jayasuriya was and is and will be a star! Immortal! And will live in the hearts of millions of Sri Lankans and billions of others for what he has been to everybody not just as a cricketer but as a human being and for the laughter and the entertainment he has provided. He has influenced the life style of people both here and abroad irrespective of age or cast or creed.

Walking amongst young kids playing cricket one could witness the mannerisms of Jayasuriya used by them confirming his status not just as a role model but as an Icon! Sanath Jayasuriya is a privilege to have and to know and without doubt one of the riches and prides of this great nation Sri Lanka. He has served with honesty, dedication, love and vigour. As a cricketer I am sure he will be hard to replace either as an explosive opener or in his new role as an all rounder or simply as the man of the hour.
Skipper Sangakkara in a recent interview had stated that when Jayasuriya is around either batting or in the team it is always comforting and reassuring! A statement which describes the man and his contribution which otherwise could take a thousand words to explain.

Sanath Jayasuriya will live long, very much like a lingering melody that has eternal life so will be his heroics. It wouldn’t also be long when the tag master blaster gets changed to batting great and or the cricketing legend as that will be what the people will always know him as. It is a great blessing that the electronic world has been revolutionized where great action and moments can be stored for the future as otherwise I am sure the future generations will only hear but not know what this great cricketing son has achieved however unbelievable it may sound. On that score I wish to add that “blessed and fortunate are the eyes that just caught a glimpse of him” Well done Sanath! Thanks for the entertainment and may you go from strength to strength!

(Article by Roshan Abeysinghe, a leading cricket promoter and an international cricket commentator - Source)

A view on dropping Sanath Jayasuriya | S.R.Pathiravithana

How the current bunch of national cricket selectors led by Asantha de Mel pumped up enough courage to strike off the name of indestructible Sanath Jayasuriya from the touring party to Bangladesh would remain one of the greatest cricketing mysteries of the twenty first century.

On and off the general news line Jayasuriya was indestructible in its true sense. At the age of 40 years and 187 days up to date the man who was partly responsible for the Lankan’s wresting the 1996 cricket World Cup played in our own backyard after he was given an open ticket for mayhem along with Romesh Kaluwitharana by the then hierarchy that comprised coach Davnell Whatmore, manager Duleep Mendis, captain Arjuna Ranatunga and vice captain Aravinda de Silva forming the nucleus of it.

Along with Jayasuriya another man who is missing his plane ticket is master-of-the-track Muttiah Muralitharan - sidelined with an injured finger.

Mel and co have suddenly woken up from their slumber
In the same tone another missing link will be former skipper Mahela Jayawardena who is also side-lined with a groin injury or whatever it is.

In one way it is rather funny to think of a Sri Lankan cricket combination taking wing for a tournament sans this threesome, but, barring injury or not it was high time that the selectors got into their proper armour and began to think like a proper unit doing their job for what they are paid for.

While discussing the courageous dropping of Jayasuriya another colleague of mine simplified the whole issue. He said “going down the order was his last trial. Anyway with that inept performance I think he dropped himself than the selectors doing it.”

The most intriguing part of this episode is that both Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas were spoken to by the selectors on their stretching years and both cricketers opted to give up Test cricket and continue with the shorter versions of the game.

Ironically Vass’ career stretched only until he captured his 400th ODI wicket, but, weaning Sanath kept on moving from one unprofitable innings to the other.

No doubt Sanath, Murali and Vaas along with Aravinda de Silva are four of the greatest cricketers Sri Lanka has ever produced, and the likes of them may not grace the Lankan turf in a hurry.

Yes, in the past there were performers who took the visiting teams by storm, but, the pressure that the visiting team put on those cricketers who were indulging in a whistle stop game would have never been the same when Vaas was taking his ODI hat-trick or when Aravinda de Silva was plundering the Australian attack in the Cricket World Cup final.

Then one asks as to why Jayasuriya was kept in the side until he could not perform anymore? Today when Sri Lanka is in a crisis no one will ever say why they can’t bring Sanath back. But, I was surprised the other day when an irate fan exasperated “Oh wish they had taken Vaas on this tour at least he had the knack of going one up almost in every innings? But, I felt the selectors had shown mercy on that great left arm medium pacer and gone rather wicked on the great allrounder Sanath Jayasuriya who was demoted to a bowling allrounder from one of the best opening batsmen who reshaped the strategies of ODI cricket for all time. 

(Sunday Musings - Source)

Sri Lanka President honors Jayasuriya, Murali & Susanthika

President Rajapaksa presents Gold Memento worth nearly Rs. One million to Sanath Jayasuriya

Jan 02, Colombo: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa today honored three outstanding athletes of the country in a ceremony held at the Temple Trees.

President Rajapaksa presented awards to Sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe and cricket legends Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan for their exemplary contribution to the country.

Susanthika Jayasinghe, 34, is the only Sri Lankan athlete to win an Olympic medal. She won a bronze in women's 200m at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 but later awarded the silver after Marion Jones was stripped off the gold medal due to drug use.

Sanath Jayasuriya, 40, was honored for his 20 years of dedication to cricket since his debut on Dec 26, 1989 against Australia. He was part of the World Cup winning team in 1996.

Muttiah Muralitharan, 37, is the world's highest wicket taker in both Test cricket and One-Day Internationals. He has been playing since 1992.

(Source)

President to felicitate Sanath, Murali and Susanthika

Three sports stars who have brought honour and fame to the country with their stupendous performances on the sports field-sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe and cricketing legends Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan will be felicitated by President Mahinda Rajapaksa at a ceremony at the Sports Development Department, Torrington Square at 9 a.m. today.

President Rajapaksa will present Gold Mementos each worth nearly Rs. One million to the three sporting legends for their achievements on the sporting field.

The President who was the head of the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka in 1997 and 1998 gave all the support and encouragement to the Sri Lankan athletes and in August 1997 Susanthika bagged a Silver Medal in the IAAF World Championships in the 200 metres event in Athens, Greece.

Three years later Susanthika did Sri Lanka proud by winning a bronze medal in the 200 metres event at the Sydney Olympics - only the second Sri Lankan to do so after Duncan White won a Silver Medal in the 110 metres hurdles event at the 1948 London Olympics.

Last month the International Amateur Athletic Federation decided to award Susanthika the Silver Medal after Marion Jones’ Gold Medal was withdrawn after she was found guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs.

Cricketing legend Sanath Jayasuriya revolutionised one-day cricket along with his partner Romesh Kaluwitharana with their pinch hitting (hitting the ball over the close in fielders in the first 15 overs when there were field restrictions) in the 1996 World Cup.

He was adjudged the most valuable player in the World Cup and played a key role in helping Sri Lanka to win the biggest trophy in world cricket. In the following year he scored an epic 340 for Sri Lanka in a Test against India at the Premadasa stadium putting on 576 runs for the second wicket with Roshan Mahanama (225) - a world record stand.

Last week he completed 20 years in International cricket having made his debut against Australia in a One-day International at Melbourne on December 26, 1989. He has the distinction of registering Sri Lanka’s highest individual score in One-day Internationals with 189 against India at Sharjah in the year 2000.

Off spinner Muttiah Muralitharan the finest bowler in the history of Test cricket surpassed Shane Warne’s world record of 708 Test wickets last year.

He bagged 16 wickets against England in August 1998 at the London Oval test which gave Sri Lanka a historic win over England in which game Sanath Jayasuriya scored a superb 213.

The President will also lay the foundation stone for the renovation of the Sports Ministry grounds at Torrington Square which includes a new synthetic track at a cost of nearly Rs. 300 million for the benefit of Sri Lankan athletes who are training at the venue.

(Source)

Jayasuriya features in ODI XI of the decade picked by Cricinfo's jury

This is delicate business, the kind that requires careful attention to statistics, quality and overall impact on the game. A decade is a long time, long enough for a sportsperson's career to run its entire course, and while the result of putting together world XIs for the 2000s may result in lists of 11 each, plenty of factors need to be taken into account to determine them.

ODI XI :

Forget the fact that if they were to walk out together to open an innings today, the combined age of Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya, the openers in this XI, would be over 77 years. More pertinent is that they have a mind-boggling 30,822 ODI runs between themselves (over 17,000 of those scored this decade).

Ponting claims the one-drop spot here as well, having racked up over 9000 runs, with 23 centuries. He posted what was then the highest score in a World Cup final in 2003, and led his side to successive World Cup and Champions Trophy wins as captain.

The middle order has a combined career tally of a touch under 25,000 runs. Kallis, who got seven votes, can nudge and wallop in equal measure, and there's his bowling to consider as well. Andrew Symonds was similarly hard to overlook, having averaged 44.52 at a strike rate of 91.87 over 96 innings at No. 5 this decade, to go with 126 wickets and 79 catches. Yuvraj Singh (7249 runs at 37.36) and an erratic Shahid Afridi (3761 runs at 22.79 and 213 wickets at 30.30 this decade) were Symonds' nearest competitors.

At No. 6 is big Andrew Flintoff, who when fit was an irresistible force, as much for his hard-to-get-away bowling as his ability to clear the fence. Since 2000 he has scored 3294 runs at a strike-rate of 89.29 and taken 162 wickets, and just having him on the field is enough to lift a side.

No surprise who gets the wicketkeeper's spot. MS Dhoni and Kumar Sangakkara got six votes between them, but with twice as many, Gilchrist it is who takes the gloves (even if a few of the jurors who picked him had him down as a specialist opener). The vast majority of his innings this decade were as opener, but here he moves down to the lower middle-order territory he occupied with devastating effect in the longer game, so Jayasuriya can open.

As in the Test team, Pollock grabs the No. 8 spot, with eight votes, testament to the value of his containment skills with the ball. The third most successful ODI bowler this decade, his miserly economy rate of 3.62 from 220 ODIs was outstanding. Pollock was one of South Africa's most consistent players and key to their claiming the No. 1 spot from Australia before the 2007 World Cup.

The opening bowlers are an Australian pair with 705 ODI wickets between them: Brett Lee offers raw pace and hostility, and yet an average of 23.01; not to mention handy skills with the bat. And McGrath was parsimonious and successful with an average of 20.28 and economy rate of 3.78. Lee's 324 ODI wickets since 2000 have been crucial to Australia's domination, while the lasting memory of McGrath is the 2007 World Cup, when he took 26 wickets and was named Man of the Tournament.

There's room for only one spinner and Murali it is, with 10 votes. The leading ODI wicket-taker of the decade, he took his 335 wickets at a sub-4 economy rate. That spells shoo-in.

ODI XI :

Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Jacques Kallis, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Pollock, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Muttiah Muralitharan

12th man: Shane Warne

The jury :

Sambit Bal, editor, Cricinfo; Harsha Bhogle, sports presenter and writer; Ian Chappell, commentator, writer, former Australia captain; Peter English, Australasia editor, Cricinfo; Jayaditya Gupta, executive editor, Cricinfo; Gideon Haigh, cricket historian, writer; Sanjay Manjrekar, sports presenter, former India batsman; Andrew Miller, UK editor, Cricinfo; Dileep Premachandran, associate editor, Cricinfo; S Rajesh, stats editor, Cricinfo; Christian Ryan, writer; Rob Steen, writer; Telford Vice, writer

(Source)

[VIDEO] 20 years of Sanath Jayasuriya - Relive the mayhem

Thanks to Hilal Suhaib ( Island Cricket ) for the Video

Jayasuriya will be given more opportunities - Asantha De Mel

Chairman of selectors, Asantha De Mel speaking to the media today said that veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya will be given more opportunities in future.

When asked about some of the senior players left out for the Bangladesh tour, Chairman selectors Asantha De Mel stated that Mahela Jayawardena, Muttiah Muralitharan and Angelo Mathews were nursing injuries while Sanath Jayasuriya will be given more opportunities, however will have to play as a bowling all rounder.

He also added that Jayasuriyas’ tour of duty will be to bat at any position depending on the match circumstances.

Sri Lanka who were runners up in World Cup 2007, have been down hill in the shorter version of the game. De Mel then justified the down trend to certain seniors calling it a day in the international arena, further the out of form aspect in some, and also certain pitches or venues that give an added advantage to winning the toss and wrapped up his views by stating, that too much of cricket is being played in this era.

All three decision makers and the rest of the selectors were in unison in strengthening the bench and took the India as an example. Sangakkara also stated that the current out look is healthy because no player can rest on his past laurels, both seniors and the youngsters will have to perform to cement their respective places. He also made a pertinent point when he told the media that we were dependent only on a few players like Jayasuriya, Chaminda Vass and Muralitharan to win games for Sri Lanka, the time is ripe now for every single player to put his hand up and be counted.

Commenting in the drop of the fielding standards its one area along with our bowling that needs vast improvement. The skipper spoke of the high standards set by players in the caliber of Mahanama, Jayasuriya, Upul Chandana and T.M. Dilshan. Sangakkara also in no uncertain terms stated a specialist fielding coach sourced from overseas on an intermediate basis will help the cause.

Coach Trevor Baylis stated that the youngsters are given a golden opportunity, it’s now up to them to cement their respective places and be counted, since many are knocking on the door. The youngsters must take into account that Jayasuriya can fit in even at the age of 40. The south paw is still in the reckoning from Sangakkaras’ and De Mels’ view point hence performance and knowing the art of winning a game should be priority number one.


(Source)

Jayasuriya's square cut was the worst blow I took - Daryl Harper

In a recent Interview to Cricinfo, Umpire Daryl Harper recalls the incident when he got hit on the chest by a Jayasuriya Square Cut.

Cricinfo :Have you ever been hit by a batsman's shot?

Daryl Harper : The worst hit I took was in the West Indies from a Sanath Jayasuriya square cut. The umpires were standing on the off side to accommodate the television cameras as they had only popping-crease run-out cameras on one side.

I had no chance to get out of the way of the fierce shot and it hit me fair and square in the middle of the chest. After the batsmen ran for the single they walked up to me and all Sanath could say was, "You cost me four runs". I said, "You got a single out of it." I wore that wound for the next month.