Sri Lanka Greatest Test XI - Ballot closes in one week!
In anticipation of the Test Match against Sri Lanka at Emirates Old Trafford next summer, we take a look at the best players to come from the Island Nation. From Kumar Sangakkara to Muttiah Muralitharan, some of the greatest players to play the game have hailed from the country, but who else makes it into Sri Lanka’s all-time greatest Test Match team?
Click here to enter the ballot, which closes in a week's time.
Sanath Jayasuriya
110 Test Matches, 6,973 runs @ 40.07, 98 wickets
The explosive opener played 110 Test Matches for Sri Lanka, scoring 6973 runs with 14 centuries while also claiming 98 wickets, consistently proving his game-changing ability with bat and ball. Jayasuriya enjoyed a brief spell as a Lancashire player, joining as cover for fellow countryman Muttiah Muralitharan for several Twenty20 cup games back in 2007, and captained Sri Lanka in their only previous Test Match at the ground in 2002.
Tillakaratne Dilshan
87 Test Matches, 5,492 runs @ 40.98
Renowned for his aggressive batting and innovative shots like the "Dilscoop”, Tillakaratne Dilshan excelled in all formats after moving up the order in 2009. In Tests, he burst onto the scene with an unbeaten 163 against Zimbabwe in his first series in November 1999, and went on to play 87 times, scoring 5,492 runs with 16 centuries, including a top score of 193 at Lord's in 2011.
Kumar Sangakkara
134 Test Matches, 12,400 runs @ 57.40
Arguably Sri Lanka's greatest batsman, and the greatest wicket-batsmen in Test Match cricket boasting a remarkable batting average of 57.40. Kumar Sangakkara scored 12,400 runs in 134 Tests with 38 centuries, fourth on the all-time list, excelling worldwide against spin and pace. Known for his elegant left-handed batting and refined aggression, Sangakkara's was the fastest player to reach 12,000 runs in Test cricket, achieving the feat in 23 fewer innings than Sachin Tendulkar.
Mahela Jayawardene
149 Test Matches, 11,814 runs @ 49.84
Considered one of the finest players of spin in the Sri Lankan Test team and a master of touch and finesse batting, Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for the most test appearances for the Lions, playing 149 matches and amassing 11,814 runs and 34 centuries.
Aravinda De Silva
93 Test Matches, 6,361 runs @ 42.97
A cricket entertainer of the highest order, the versatile batsman was known for his attacking style and impeccable technique, often regarded as Sri Lanka's top batsman despite statistics lower than the two men above him in this list. He averaged 43 in Test cricket with 20 centuries, showcasing a strong conversion rate, and scored centuries in multiple countries.
Thilan Samaraweera
81 Test Matches, 5,462 runs @ 48.76
Often overlooked in Sri Lankan cricket, Thilan Samaraweera played 81 test matches, amassing 5,462 runs after a century on debut against India in 2001. His patient and resilient batting style provided balance in a team of aggressive stroke-players, wearing down bowlers through relentless accumulation.
Angelo Mathews
106 Test Matches, 7,361 runs @ 45.43
The underrated allrounder has played a vital role in Sri Lanka's post-Sangakkara and Jayawardene era, amassing over 7,000 runs including 15 centuries. Despite facing several injuries, Mathews reached the 100-Tests milestone in 2022, becoming the 12th man to be dismissed for 199 in a Test in the process.
Chaminda Vaas
106 Test Matches, 355 wickets @ 29.58
Undoubtedly Sri Lanka's greatest fast bowler, Vaas played 111 Test Matches, taking 355 wickets at an average of less than 30. In 2001-02 he became only the second fast bowler, after Imran Khan, to take 14 wickets in a match in the subcontinent and regularly excelled in the often unfriendly home conditions. Vaas also collected more than 400 ODI wickets and holds the greatest statistical bowling performance in the format as the only man to take eight wickets in an innings (8/19 versus Zimbabwe in Colombo).
Rangana Herath
93 Test Matches, 433 wickets @ 28.07
The slow left arm bowler, better known to some as the “chef” and "smiling assassin," showcased his spin brilliance in 93 tests, capturing 433 wickets for his nation. Succeeding Muttiah Muralitharan as the Lions primary Test wicket-taker, he became one of the best left-arm spinners globally, with a standout year in 2012 when he claimed 60 wickets at an average of 23.61.
Lasith Malinga
30 Test Matches, 101 wickets @ 33.15
Celebrated for his lethal yorkers and unorthodox round-arm action, Lasith Malinga made his mark as one of cricket's finest limited-overs bowlers, but his Test career was shorter than it should have been, featuring in only 30 matches. He was only the third player to reach 100 Test wickets for Sri Lanka but in April 2011 at the age of 27 Malinga announced his Test retirement, citing the desire to manage his "chronic knee injury" and extend his limited-overs career.
Muttiah Muralitharan
800 wickets @ 22.72, economy rate 2.47
Last on this list, and certainly by no means least, is Muttiah Muralitharan, widely regarded as Sri Lanka’s greatest player of all time. His numerous records, include 800 Test wickets with 67 five-wicket hauls and 22 ten-wicket hauls, and his remarkable ability to spin the ball sharply and deliver marathon spells, were key factors in Sri Lanka's competitiveness in all formats of the game and he become a symbol of unity in a time of ethnic conflict in the country.
Murali represented Lancashire with distinction for four seasons between 1999 and 2007, winning one major trophy – the Sunday League crown – and the Player of the Year Award in his first year. He took 269 wickets in 57 matches in all competitions for Lancashire, including an amazing 203 from just 28 first-class matches.
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The Three Lions welcome Sri Lanka (Test Match, Wednesday 21 - Sunday 25 August 2024) and Australia (IT20, Sunday 15 September 2024) to Emirates Old Trafford next summer with the ticket ballot now open and seats in high demand.
Want to beat the ballot? 2024 Memberships are on sale now and give you instant access to secure your tickets today! Click here to find out more.
The Ballot will run from Wednesday 30 August until Thursday 5 October 2023.