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Ari's
memorable innings
by Farah Macan Markar
At last I interviewed this guy
(after it being postponed many times)
ex-cricketer-now selector,
born in October 65'.
De Silva's his name,
He's thirty seven years of age.
As a kid young Ari, studied in
D.S. Senanayake College.
Watching international matches as a kid
t was his ambition one day,
to play for Sri Lanka, which he has done
for twenty years, he says.
"Having watched so many matches
I wanted to be out there in the middle,
which I'm glad to say I've done,
I've toiled away through its hurdles".
In nineteen eighty three
for Sri Lanka, he first got to play,
in a one-day against New Zealand,
it was a special occasion he says.
"I was seventeen plus then.
It was a dream come true.
I went out there and did
what I always had wanted to do".
Most memorable innings?
"World Cup Final 96'.
Winning the trophy for the country
we proved Sri Lanka can do it".
So what's the best part in cricket?
"Well there are many aspects to the game.
But for me I guess it would be batting
though bowling's fun too" he says.
Batting, according to Ari,
has a lot to do with mental status.
"You've got to be determined, be committed
and really be in focus".
So what's it like being in the nineties?
Closing in on the One Zero Zero?
"You feel nervous, but gotta let things happen"
says this cricketing hero.
Of his retirement he says
"My career's been quite a long one.
I want time to spend with my family,
especially Sampras, my son".
This little toddler of Ari's,
is named after that Sampras, called Pete,
who used to be Aravinda's idol
and still is, says he.
Of being a selector Aravinda says
"There's one thing I want to make sure.
That's that the present players don't undergo,
what I had to go through.
We selectors should be more responsible
in every action we take.
Make decisions not on personal preferences
but in the interest of the game".
Cars, travelling,
food and Schumacher, Ari likes.
Plus spending time with his family
for which he says he now has more time.
His biggest influence-Success.
His weakest point-Food.
"In being fit, foods always been a problem,
don't have to worry about it any more...Phew".
His favourite dish-Chinese.
His fav cricketer-Viv Richards.
His biggest dislike-Flying.
His greatest passion-Cricket.
So who is Aravinda de Silva?
"I'm a straight forward person.
If I want to achieve something I go out and do it.
I have a lot of determination".
Finally of cricket, he says,
"I want to give back for what's been given to me".
Any cricketing advice? "Yes, sacrifice and
Mental toughness are essential qualities".
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